Dorothy P. Miller
November 15, 1931 - February 22, 2016
Dorothy P. Miller, age 84, of Newark, Delaware, died on Monday, February 22, 2016. Known for her love of nature, Dorothy dedicated her life to the protection and conservation of the White Clay Creek Valley. She was an avid birder, enthusiastic botanizer, and respected environmental activist. Dorothy and other members of a Delaware Coalition fought the building of a dam on the White Clay Creek. Her enthusiasm for the project was infectious and helped to convince elected officials, government employees, and the general public of the importance of keeping the creek free flowing. She also helped influence Congress to name the White Clay Creek as a Wild and Scenic River. In recognition of 50 plus years of effort on these projects and many others, she is pictured on a permanent placard at the White Clay Creek Nature Center, and a City Park is named in her honor.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Robert K. Miller; daughters Karin Duncan (Jeff) and Cynthia Miller (Sabrina); two grandchildren, Kaley and Daniel Duncan; and her three sisters Ann Comer, Barbara Muschlitz, and Carol Meek.
At the request of the family, services will be held privately.
If you wish to honor Dorothy’s memory, the family suggests you make a donation to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, one of her favorite charities, or just take a walk at White Clay Creek State Park.
Carla Stone
Mrs. Miller was a wonderful inspiration to so many, especially the people of Delaware and those who loved nature. That we can enjoy so many parks will forever be a lasting legacy to all.
DR. KAYATTA and STAFF
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Miller family.
Tomorrow when my wife and I go for a walk, we will dedicate it to Mrs. Miller.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kayatta
Richard R. Cooch
To the Miller family: Dorothy was one of a kind. I always enjoyed seeing her, particularly at the annual Christina River Cleanup. My late father, Ned Cooch, valued her friendship very much and spoke often of her. They were certainly kindred spirits when it came to the environmental health of New Castle County waterways. The Cooch family sends its sincere condolences to the Miller family. I really liked the conclusion of her obituary where the family suggested taking a walk in White Clay Creek State Park. I also liked yesterday’s newspaper article. She left the world a better place. –Dick Cooch
Andy Urquhart
Dorothy was a great inspiration for me, both in her love and knowledge of nature, which she so generously shared with others, and in her leadership role in conserving natural areas throughout Delaware and, in particular, in the White Clay Creek area. I will greatly miss her, as will many others. I send my deepest condolences to her family members. I will take that walk in White Clay Creek State Park and reflect on her many achievements and on her impact on my life.
Jim Neal
Dorothy was an extraordinary individual. She was clear in her vision and steadfast in her pursuit of working to retain and enhance the natural areas in the White Clay valley. She worked for this vision in an attractive manner. Dorothy was strong and steadfast in her views and goals, but a pleasant person to work with, even when she was on the different side of an issue. We will remember her as a person that left positive footprints in the White Clay watershed. Who will take up her charge?
Andrew Homsey
Condolences to the Miller family for the loss of Dorothy. She was an amazing and formidable woman, a force and a voice for the natural heritage of the state and region. Her tireless efforts toward doing the right thing to protect our vulnerable watershed will be missed, as will her presence out on the birding trails along her beloved White Clay Creek.
Kyle Bottorff
My sincere condolences to the Miller family. I so enjoyed the times I crossed paths with Dorthy in the WCCSP. Dorthy always had an interesting piece of park history to share or the latest wildlife sighting. I shall forever appreciate the significant contributions she made toward establishing and preserving the WCCSP. She was a very special person and will be missed dearly.
Kyle Bottorff
Robert Blackwell
I said my peace on her obituary site. There is so much more to add. I was a Ranger and lived in the possum hill area, she asked if she could bring a couple people over for a Owl count. I said sure. The following morning at 04:00 there was a line of car’s coming down the lane. Mind you, the lane is a 1/8 of a mile. My dog, a blood hound was going nuts. I swore I’d never do it again…. She was back the following year… As brash as she could be, she always made up for it in conversation… Not a bad bone in her body. Tough woman! I’m better having met and known her…