Obituary of Vernial Marie MILLER

November 16, 1937 – Camrose, Alberta
August 24, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Terry Miller of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2020 at the age of 82 years.

Vernial Marie Miller, or as most of us knew her, Terry, was born near Camrose, AB, at the family farm on November 16, 1937. She was the fifth child and fourth daughter of Alma and Ted Miller. The family moved from the farm to Camrose in 1943, where Terry attended John Russel School. As a teenager, she spent time in Calgary with her oldest sister Irene, helping with childcare during the summers.

Terry enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1956, and spent three months in Fighter Control Operator training in Clinton, Ontario. After that, she was stationed in New Brunswick at a radar base on the Pinetree Line. She established many friendships there, some of which she maintained for the rest of her life.

After leaving the RCAF in 1960, Terry returned to Alberta. She had a long career at Home Electronics (which became Seismic Cable Service), retiring in 1998. There, she was responsible for hiring (and firing), and supervision of a workforce which built and repaired seismic cable. When she retired, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, travelling to California, and for four years devoted herself to providing companionship for her mother. She and her nieces Susan Gora and Terrisa Butler shared a home and life together for many years.

Terry was as competitive as they come, wanting to excel at whatever she put her hand to, including horseshoes, card games, darts, and bowling, but she was good natured even in defeat. She played golf until the age of eighty-one, even when her vision was limited. She was a perfectionist, needing everything to be ‘just so’. Terry collected friends wherever she went, and would strike up a conversation with almost anyone. She will be remembered for her fun-loving ways and sense of humour, and her generosity.

Terry is survived by her sister Florence Miller of Calgary, her brother and sister-in-law, Al and Ethel Miller of Red Deer; and her brother-in-law Morley Schultz of Calgary. Terry was predeceased by her sisters, Irene Coberly and Joyce Schultz, and her brother Laurie Miller.  

Terry will be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. As well as greatly missed by a plethora of friends.

Every day in some small way
Memories of you come our way.
Though absent, you are always near
Still missed, loved and always dear.

A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Terry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Terry Miller, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.