Susan Smith Miller

Susan Smith Miller, age 80, died peacefully on April 12, 2023 in Vero Beach, FL from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Sue was born on May 25, 1942 in Elmira, NY and was predeceased by her parents Donald and Elizabeth (Betty) Smith. She was raised in Watkins Glen, NY and graduated from Watkins Glen Central High School in 1960.  She formerly lived in Hector, NY for many years.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11:00am at St. James' Episcopal Church in Watkins Glen.  A reception will be held immediately following at the Kellogg residence, 5260 Peach Orchard Pt., Hector, NY.

Sue met the love of her life, Edward Miller, on a blind date in New York City, while Ed was in medical school and she was studying to be a nurse. She earned her BS-RN degree in 1964 from SUNY Plattsburg University, and in June of that same year Ed and Sue married. During their 58 years of marriage they lived in several locations. Initially, she worked as a school nurse outside Rochester, NY. They moved to the Midwest while Ed completed his medical training and served in the US Air Force before settling in Binghamton, NY in 1970. During the years raising her two daughters in Binghamton, Sue was an active member of the community. A dedicated church member of Christ Episcopal Church, she served on the vestry and authored a history book, “Christ Church, 1810-1985”. She served as treasurer of the Junior League of Binghamton, president of the Board of Directors of Good Shepherd Fairview Home, and volunteered in many other ways.

After Ed’s retirement in 2007, they spent winters in Mount Dora and eventually Vero Beach, Florida.  Sue spent every summer of her life on the shores of Seneca Lake, her favorite place.  She especially enjoyed boat rides, beach bonfires, water activities, local wine, and time with her family.

She will always be remembered for her generous heart, kind spirit, love of laughter and joyful way – she had a talent for curating lasting memories for friends and family.  Sue was hostess extraordinaire and well known for her cooking and extensive appetizer spread where everyone was welcome.  Her grandchildren will never forget the cornucopia of gifts and surprises, beloved sherry cake, lakeside s’mores, duck eggs hatching in her geranium planter, annual obligatory tree picture, and endless hours of game playing.

Sue is survived by her husband Ed of Vero Beach, FL, her daughters Kimberly Morse of Vero Beach, FL and Deborah (Dave) Allen of Massachusetts, sister Joan Sala of Watkins Glen, and her four grandchildren: Addison, Ashley, and Tyler Morse and Sawyer Allen.

She will be missed by her family, as well as her many friends.  Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Reading Center, NY.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice in memory of Susan Smith Miller.  Local arrangements with Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.