Obituary of Kathleen A. Miller

Kathleen A. Pace Miller, 82, of West Ellicott died peacefully at home in the early hours of June 11, 2024, her devoted husband by her side. She was born on April 4, 1942, in Jamestown, NY, the daughter of Samuel J., and Christine A. (DeFrancisco) Pace. Kathleen graduated from Jamestown High School in 1961 and went on to earn an associate's degree in interior design. She then pursued a career in cosmetology with training at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Ontario, Canada. Kathleen purchased the Charm Salon in Hotel Jamestown from her uncle and operated a successful business there for over 20 years. Kathleen married John W. Miller on November 26, 1966, at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Jamestown. Together, they shared a life full of quiet love and fun adventure and a bond of eternal devotion. Kathleen was a woman of faith and served as a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, a Special Minister of Holy Communion, and a Rite of Christian Initiation instructor. Kathleen proudly supported and served many local organizations, including as an active member of the Lakewood YMCA and Tennis Center and the Ellicottville Ski Club for over 30 years. She was also a member of Creche and lent support to dozens of charitable organizations across the nation whose missions were dear to her. Kathleen was very active and enjoyed the outdoors in all seasons. In addition to tennis and skiing, she loved to go birding, was a member of the Jamestown Garden Club, and was especially fond of wildflowers and ferns. She appreciated music and the arts. Kathleen loved to travel, and she and John enjoyed many trips together around home and abroad. They especially enjoyed hiking the Chautauqua Gorge, Allegany State Park, several National Parks, and Chautauqua County Rails to Trails. They visited the 48 continental states and many islands in the Caribbean, as well as making four trips to European countries. In more recent years, Kathleen and John enjoyed long car rides throughout the region with their dog Gypsy VII. They could often be found enjoying meals together at their favorite places, including Schuyler's Country Kitchen and the Dutch Village. In addition to her husband, John W. Miller, Kathleen is survived by her sister, Christine Putney of Jamestown and sisters-in-law, Joan Oste of West Ellicott, Marcia White of Busti, and Donna Pace of McKinney, TX. She is also survived by nephews, Todd (Kandi) Pace of Crystal River, FL, Taylor (Annika) Putney of Jamestown, Randy (Marla) Oste of Bemus Point, and John (Christine) Schuyler of Busti; nieces, Morgan (Richard) Brandt of McKinney, TX, Tammy James of Ashville and Amy Peterson of Lakewood; and several great nephews and nieces, all of whom she loved very much. In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald S. Pace and brothers-in-law, Richard Putney, Duane Oste, and Clayton "Tony" White. There will be calling hours on Friday, June 14th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lind Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John's Catholic Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325-0100; Options Care Center, 560 W 3rd St., or Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd., both Jamestown, NY 14701.