Denise D. Miller
November 22, 1957 - September 14, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Denise D. Miller, 63, after a valiant fight with cancer, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on November 22, 1957, she was a daughter of the late Bayard and Darlene (Haggerty) Leach. Denise was a kind and gentle soul that was empathetic and caring of others. She was known for her selflessness and ability to make others feel at ease. Denise instilled these values, as well as the importance of giving back to others, to her children. To her, nothing was better than spending time with her children, whom she loved deeply.
Denise was the caregiver for her mother for over twenty years and sacrificed greatly to do so. She loved children and had a special gift of caring for people with disabilities – recently retiring from her job as a Paraprofessional for the Red Clay School District. Denise kept in touch with many of the children that she served and the many friends that became family over the years.
Denise is survived by her son, Royce Miller; daughter, Beth Miller (Jen); brothers, Bayard Leach (Maria) and Ted Leach (Judy); former mother-in-law, Gladys Miller; close friends, Ruth Ann Ewing and Terri Guilbault; and many other family and friends that she held near to her heart.
The family would like to thank the many healthcare workers from the Helen Graham Cancer Center and Delaware Hospice for their kindness and excellent care.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm until 1 pm on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will be held at 1 pm. The family respectfully requests that all in attendance, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Denise’s memory to Special Olympics Delaware, 619 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19716, or online by clicking here.
Peace to Denise! “Everything’s gonna be all right”
Ruth Ann Ewing
I will miss so much. You have always been dear to my heart. I’m so glad you are out of pain, now it’s your time to be with angels and dolphins. I’m so glad I was able to spend all day with you on Tuesday I will never forget it. Always in my heart♥️
Alyssa cowin
She always be in our hearts. She was good friend and helper.
Tiffany
Rip to my best friend and teacher ever and you rock my world and helping me out with my life and I am crying 😭 and it makes me feel sad and depressed and lonely how I messaged you and everyday u and me would talk about girl talks and stuff and now I’m really sad and heartbroken 💔 and lonely and it’s weird now your not here anymore to talk to me rip it won’t be the same without out you and our girl talks love ya and I will cry everyday and my dad will take care of you in heaven.
Tom Smallwood
I’m sorry for the loss beth
John Marshall Robertson
I going to miss you and every time she see me she will say Father John and you will be missed and know I am praying for the family.
Harriet & Alan Frank
Our hearts are broken. Denise was the sweetest and dearest person to us. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Beth and Royce and to the rest of Denise’s family.
Jenny Wright
Denise, you were a fighting warrior until the end.You never failed to amaze with your strength.Yes, everything will be alright because you are with the Lord now and painfree.See you in Heaven dear friend.
Jenny Wright
Teresa Slater
Denise,
I’ve known you my whole life. You are a wonderful mother, a mother figure to me and my younger brother Tony. You were one of my mom’s closest friends, her co-worker & our neighbor. You always had a heart of gold. Those golden gates are going to be wide-open for you. You will be deeply missed. You were loved by so many. I will see you on the other side one day. Much love,
Teresa
Dianne Scott
Beth and Royce
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Your mom was such a Special Person and Good friend. Always smiling. The Sweetest , Kindest person you ever would meet. You both took such wonderful care of her during her illness. She will always be in our hearts. 💕
Susan Moyer
You are truly missed. I loved your laughter, and the way you made work easier. I know you are at peace, and you are smiling down on all of us.
Judy Leach
RiP Denise. Your labor of love on this earth may be over but your life in Heaven is going to be so much better. Enjoy seeing your loved ones gone before you and dance with the Angels. I Love you and Ted and I will miss you immensely.
Krystal gallagher
RIP miller . You and I would always talk everyday and I always loved having you as a friend/ family member. Now I’m just lost with out you everyday . you were so sweet , kind and caring to me .
Peg Cristello
I truly admired Denise. She was always so kind to everyone.She had an easy going, caring nature and a great sense of humor. Denise truly enjoyed helping others and cared a lot about her students. She was a wonderful role model for all of us fortunate enough to work with her at Meadowood in Redclay SD.
James Gillis
1994…I came back to teaching… YOU, Gail, and Ruth were my first team that allowed our creativity & our love for those 12 new Dickinson-Meadowood 9th Graders flourish…we gave them learning, interactive experiences, Joy, confidence, compassion, and social consciousness. Your compassion, empathy, wonderful Soul, and heart-felt care continued throughout your career…with every child you touched. Thanking you for a being a Memory-Maker & Teacher for your Family AND your School Family. You touched us all daily!
Dianne Conner
That was such a beautiful video!! I was lucky enough to work with Denise or Miller as we just used our last names. She was truly a angel on earth, now she is truly one!!! I hope she will be happy to see her Mom again. Rest in Peace Denise. Love
Karen Cunningham Sniegowski
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family on the loss of your mother. She was such a kind hearted person. We went to high school and graduation together n had many classes and laughs together. She is a special angle.
Angela
I’m so sorry for Loss our Teacher And I’m so sorry Family and Friends and we Loss our Teacher She love Our Students and Best Friends
Nancy Glynn
Oh Miller, My heart is broken. You have been a Trooper through all of the challenges life has presented You. Through it all you always had time for an encouraging smile, words and hugs for everyone else. Your students and Meadowood Family adored you and valued your friendship. Until we meet again my friend and coworker , Fly High with all of our Angels that passed before You. Rest in Peace. Know You were Loved and will be Missed by many.
Mary Moore
Went to Christiana HS with Denise and worked with her many years at Meadowood Program. She was extra special, always caring, fun, and kind to everyone. She was a great help with Special Olympics always encouraging and cheering on the athletes. She will be so missed by so many.
MJ Brooks
Thanks for always saying something that made me smile, and for listening to my story. Mostly I’ll miss singing oldies with you. I’ll miss your kind soul,
Brooksie
Cathy Phipps Novak
Ted and Bayard – I’m so sorry to hear about Denise passing. I used to live beyond you on 896, and Denise and I went to high school together. Loads of fun we had together, walking to Castle Mall, going to the Senior Ball & Banquet, and many other fun teenager things and activities. I hope that her family and your families are doing ok with everything. We all know she’s in a better place now.
Lisa (Sajewski) Caulk
I am so thankful for the kind & gentle care you took of my Emma and that you are no longer in pain! You are already missed so much. Rest easy knowing you gave your best to everyone & everything you could!
Grace Burris
So very sorry to hear of Denises’ passing. She was a special lady with a beautiful smile, kind and caring to all. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family!!
Jill Karlson
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phyllis Hopper
Good bye to a sweet friend …until we meet again !
Mona
I miss our daily texts and check ins. I miss your laughter and your smile. I’m grateful to God for blessing me with you as a neighbor, friend and sister like you. You were a gem. I think of you often. You will always have a special place in my heart. I will forever cherish our talks, your genuine concern and acts of kindness you showed my family and me. Whenever I hear Bob Marley I will smile and think of you. I’m glad you’re no longer in pain. You were strong and courageous. I believe you are smiling, swaying and singing Bob Marley songs in your new mansion. I will check on Beth and Royce. Forever your sister from another mister. ❤️👯♀️