In Loving Memory of
Eileen Katherine
MILLER
1940 - 2012
Eileen Katherine Miller (nee Pappas) was born on November 4, 1940 in North Vancouver, British Columbia and passed away on January 7, 2012 in Clearwater, British Columbia at 71 years of age. She is survived by her husband Dave Miller of Clearwater and their children Kerry (Linda) Miller of Clearwater and their children Christopher Miller of Clearwater and Daniel Miller of Kelowna; Robin (Bernie) Graffunder of Vavenby and their children Nicholas (Lonette) Graffunder of Kamloops, Ryan Graffunder of Kamloops and Heather Graffunder currently attending the University of Calgary. Eileen also leaves behind her sister Cleo (Al) Cook of West Vancouver and her sister-in-law Trudy (Sonny) Bryan of Vavenby, BC, brother-in-law Joe (Rose) Miller of Kamloops, sister-in-law Sharryle (Roger) Wallach of Kelowna plus numerous nieces and nephews. Eileen was predeceased by her parents George and Jean Pappas; sister-in-law Joyce Metzner; and her grandson Dustin Graffunder.
After high school Eileen worked at the Tomahawk Barbecue Restaurant and then Safeway. After marrying Dave Miller and having two children they moved from North Vancouver to Clearwater in 1971 to build and operate their own Bakery & Cafe. In 1979 they moved to Lower Clearwater where they owned & operated the Raft River Store. In 1980 they sold the store, moved to Birch Island for a few months and then moved out to Vavenby and bought the Vavenby General Store. In 1991 they sold the store but remained in Vavenby until 1996 when they moved to their present home in Clearwater.
Eileen enjoyed working and visiting with people even after she "retired" as she was often found at the dollar store helping Robin and then Kerry and Linda, when they moved back to Clearwater and bought the store. She was very happy keeping busy helping around the store and visiting with all who came in.
Golfing was a big part of her life after she moved back to Clearwater. She took some lessons in 1996 and then never stopped. She was voted "Most Improved Golfer" in 2008. In October of 2002 Eileen joined the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority giving her the opportunity to socialize more and help out in the community. Eileen was honoured as the Sorority Woman of the Year in 2006 and 2007 as voted by her sorority sisters for going above and beyond. In February 2009 Eileen joined the Hospital Auxiliary and gave some of her time to the Hospital Gift store.
A Memorial Service for Eileen Miller took place at the Royal Canadian Legion in Clearwater, BC. After a short service at the columbarium in Clearwater's Riverview Cemetery, everyone returned to the Legion for refreshments. Donations in memory of Eileen Miller to the the Beta Sigma Phi, Xi Epsilon Eta Chapter, c/o 344 Harby Rd., Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N2, would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, 73 Taren Drive, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N2, telephone 250-674-3030, www.NorthThompsonFuneral.com.