Catherine Carpenter Miller

Catherine (Cathy) Carpenter Miller March 8, 1945 – May 18, 2025

Catherine (Cathy) Carpenter Miller, 80, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, at the Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake, Ohio, with her children and sister at her side.

Born on March 8, 1945, in Cleveland, Cathy was the daughter of the late James Wilhelm Carpenter and Mary Louise “Bee” Gingery Carpenter. She is survived by her devoted husband of many years, Dr. Richard Alan Miller, DDS; her children, James P. Miller (Michelle R.) of Hudson, Ohio, and Marnie M. Shriver of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; and her beloved grandchildren, Graham R. Miller, Greer C. Miller, and Maren G. Shriver. Cathy is also survived by her cherished sister, Margaret C. Gould (Roger).

A gifted artist, Cathy was both a floral designer and silversmith, having earned her degree in design from the Cleveland Institute of Art. She was a longtime member of the Cleveland Garden Club, where she shared her creativity and love of floral design with fellow enthusiasts. Her floral creations, especially those adorning the Church of the Covenant during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, were cherished by the congregation. She found great joy in music and loved singing in the church choir, where she sang faithfully for 50 years.

Cathy was a lifelong member of the Church of the Covenant (Presbyterian Church USA) in Cleveland. Her service to the church was generous and wide-ranging—she served as a Trustee, Session Member, and Deacon, and contributed to many committees, including Music and Building & Grounds.

She had a deep love for the beauty of nature and a lifelong affection for animals, especially the cats and dogs that were her loyal companions throughout the years. In her youth, she loved riding horses with her sister and cousins—some of her fondest memories were made on horseback, surrounded by family and the outdoors she cherished.

Cathy was the heart and spirit of her family—playful, loving, and full of laughter. She was a devoted wife, mother, and aunt who brought warmth and kindness to every relationship. Her sense of humor was delightfully silly, and she had an unmatched gift for giving nicknames. If you were part of the family, you got one—and that name stuck. Cathy had a way of bringing fun to every occasion, turning everyday moments into joyful memories just by being herself.

Those who wish may make contributions in her name to the Ames Family Hospice, 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake OH 44145, or the Friends of McGaffin Carillon Fund of the Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, where Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 14th at 2PM.