Helen Sandra Elizabeth Miller, B.A.
April 27, 1963 to August 17, 2016
Obituary
Passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2016 at the Health Sciences Complex. Predeceased by her father Eugene. Left with fond and loving memories, her mother Elizabeth; brothers Harold (Karen), Howard (Doris) and many other relatives and close friends. Helen had a long and distinguished career as the City of St. John’s Archivist. She travelled extensively for both her work and pleasure and visited many countries throughout the world. Helen was a pet lover and avid supporter of the SPCA. Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends may visit the family at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A committal service will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the SPCA.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on August 20, 2016
7-9 p.m. on August 20, 2016
2-4 p.m. on August 21, 2016
7-9 p.m. on August 21, 2016
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Mrs. Miller. My heart is breaking for you regarding the loss of Helen; I know how close you were. She talked about you all the time and I feel I came to know you through her. Likewise regarding her cats, whom she loved dearly, as you know.
Sept 6 of this year, Helen and I would have worked together for 14 years. She welcomed me to the City of St. John’s Archives like I was the best thing since sliced bread. She was always ready and willing to share her knowledge about the City, its history and City Hall itself. I still can’t believe I can’t call or text her if I have a question only she would know. Or that she won’t be checking in, like she was fond of doing after she went off on leave.
Helen was a fountain of knowledge and always had a positive attitude. She will be missed!
I am so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I too volunteered with Helen at the SPCA and she held a special place in my heart. Such a wonderful person. Helen, you made a difference in the lives of many people and many animals. Thank you for being you xoxo
Like many others, I came to know Helen through our volunteering with the SPCA St. John’s. Helen was a kind, salt of the earth soul. I have a number of varying memories of Helen, from being a beneficiary of her good cooking, to singing “Sweet Caroline” at the top of our lungs in the SPCA Thrift Store basement while she was counting money and I was sorting and pricing donations. Sensible, sweet and silly – Helen, you will be greatly missed. XOXOXO
Mrs Miller and family,
It is with a heavy heart that i send my sympathies to you on Helen,s passing . Helen and I became friends many years ago in our love for animals and volunteering with the SPCA . Her love of cats was amazing we always joked about it because i was partial to dogs . I looked after her cats when she was having her renovations she worried about those cats more than most would about kids .
I know she will be missed by many .
Hold on to your memories . thoughts and prayers sent to you all.
Mrs. Miller, Harold and Howard
We have just now heard of Helen’s passing. Our family has such fond memories of her and of all of you from growing up on Campbell Avenue. Please accept our sincere condolences at this very sad time.
The Benson family (Pearl, Jeff, Sharon and Dave)
I have known and volunteered with Helen for so many years with the SPCA. I will miss her smile and wit for sure. I remember her making us soup for the Fall Fair and have a little tub kept out for me separately, we would laugh at it all.
Hoping your memories will help alleviate your sorrow. Please know this beautiful picture of her warms my heart!!
Please accepts my deepest condolences on Helen’s passing, my thoughts are prayers are with your during this difficult time. She made a significant contribution to our City as City Archivist and we will be forever grateful.
Elizabeth,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Helen’s passing.
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with Helen comfort you and your family, today and always.
Mrs Miller and family i was so sad to hear of Helen’s passing.was such close friends for years then lost contact with each other.often wondered what had happened with her and her mom.She was a pleasure to know we had many walks and chats.Know that i am thinking about you all at this sad time. Hugs to a very special lady Mrs Elizabeth Miller.
Elizabeth, Harold, Howard and Family So saddened to hear of the passing of Helen. We will miss her joyous smile , bubbly laughter and kind words she had for everyone. Helen is in Gods arms and we know she is making Him smile and heaven is a happier place because she is there.
Uncle Walter Aunt Yvette
Elizabeth, Howard, Harold and Families, Please accept my Deepest Sympathy on the passing of your dear daughter/sister. Helen. Although I did not know Helen, I am her Aunt Sandra’s best friend and Sandra always spoke highly of Helen and kept me updated on her condition. May you all find peace in knowing that your dear Helen is now resting in the arms of Jesus. God Bless each and every one of you.
Sincere condolences to the Miller family on your loss. It was my pleasure to have met Helen while working at City Hall. Her laugh and beaming smile will be missed by so many as well as her knowledge and commitment to preserving and sharing the history of the City of St. John`s. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may the Perpetual Light shine upon her.
Mrs. Miller, Howard and Harold, I was so sorry to hear about Helen’s passing. I worked with Helen at the City of St. John’s City Clerks Department. She was well respected and knew her job thoroughly. She had many friends who enjoyed her sense of humour and kindness. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. She will be missed.
To Helen’s mom and family,
We just wanted to pass on our condolences to you all on the passing of Helen. We well always remember Helen for her positive attitude her laugh and her smile. She went thru so much with her illness but she never complained or was never negative about it. she took it all in stride. She will be missed.
Dear Aunt Elizabeth and family. I am so sorry for the loss of Helen. She was an exceptional woman whom I admired for love of her family and historical adventures. As a fellow animal lover it eases my mind to know that my many passed furry friends will be comforted in the arms of Helen until we meet again. Love you, Michelle
I admired Helen’s knowledge at City Archives for everything there and about St. John’s. Our paths crossed whenever I needed to do some research in “her” archive and I enjoyed my visits there. I am so sorry to read of her passing and am out of the Province, unable to visit, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences on a life too short.
Helen will be missed. As a fellow municipal archivist she was generous and helpful in sharing her tell-it-like-it-is experience. Condolences to her family and to the St. John’s and Newfoundland archival communities for your loss.
Helen and I became friends nearly 30 years ago when we met at work at the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador. Later, I worked with Helen at the City of St. John’s Archives where we shared many laughs and cups of tea together at break time. There wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer about that archives – and she did that, as she did everything in her life, always with that great sense of humour!
Our friendship extended into our love of animals and our volunteer times with the SPCA. Helen was always the one in charge of our money at our Fall Fair and Flea Markets and at the end of the day she would have our funds counted right to the penny! Helen always baked special treats for the volunteers at those events, and her mini cheesecakes were legendaryt!
Mrs. Miller, Harold and Howard, I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Helen so much, but I have many great memories.. Take comfort in knowing that she was a treasured friend..
I had the pleasure of knowing Helen for more than 20 years through my work on the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee. Any time we wanted to see a photo of a streetscape or old building,,or an older map of some neighbourhood, Helen was sure to know if one was available. She was most gracious and helpful, and her passing is a great loss. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
On behalf of myself and all the staff at the Provincial Archives, many of whom worked or volunteered with Helen over the years, our deepest condolences to the Miller family at this time. She and her commitment to the Archival profession will be forever missed and remembered.
I worked with Helen on a number of projects with the City of St. John’s over the last few years, and I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a smart and keen personality and her presence and wit will certainly be missed.
Mrs. Miller, Harold and Howard, I am so sorry for your loss. Helen and I started work at City Hall just months apart and have been friends ever since. She was a special person with a great sense of humor and her knowledge about the City’s history was unsurpassed. She will be truly missed.
I want to say that Helen was a good friend and fellow supporter of the SPCA. I will always remember her smile and friendly personality and dedication to the SPCA. My deepest condolences to her family.
Sylvia Walsh
For Helen’s family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Helen at City Hall over the span of 20 years, particularly as we both sat as staff members on the St. John’s Heritage Advisory Committee. Helen had a comprehensive knowledge of the city’s history and knew if she could place her hands on a relevant photo, drawing, or insurance map. She enjoyed her work at the City Archives and with the Association of NL Archivists.
Helen had a ready wit. She and I always got along and sparred back and forth in a good-natured way.
It was sad to realize the big health challenges that she faced. It was good to bring her out for supper earlier the summer when she stepped back from the Archives. We wanted to acknowledge her work and presence.
Condolences on your loss.
Aunt Elizabeth, Howard, Harold…my heart is hurting on our sudden loss of your daughter, sister and my cousin. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. Let’s remember her laugh, her great smile and kind heart.
Love you
Susan K