Obituary of Ellen Miller

Ellen Miller, née Retzker, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025. Ellen is survived by Peter, her husband of 36 years; her two children, Melanie (with spouse Matt) and Justin (Kathryn); her two grandchildren, Weston and Molly; her three step children, Christine, Michael (Marcy) and Andrew; her brother-in-law, Fred; and her niece and nephew, Jennifer (Patrick) and Jordan (Beth). Ellen was predeceased by her sister, Janet and her sister-in-law and best friend, Linda.

Born in New York City on July 15, 1947, Ellen received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology at the University of Michigan before moving to Canada with her first husband, David Sigetich. Ellen worked for the Children's Aid Society in Barrie before starting to fulfill one of her lifelong dreams: being a mother. Her young family relocated to Markham where Ellen happily focused on raising Melanie and Justin. Following Ellen’s divorce from David, Ellen met Peter when he fortuitously agreed to house sit for his sister Linda, who was Ellen’s best friend and neighbour. Peter and Ellen were married on June 25, 1988.

Ellen took pleasure in part-time work at Time for Tots day care then at the Markham Village Library, where she worked for 20 years. Ellen really enjoyed her job at the library; she loved the books and, most of all, she loved the friends she made, many of whom remained friends over the following decades, especially Lois, Jane, Janis and Brenda, with Lois and Jane becoming almost like sisters to Ellen. Upon retirement from the library, Ellen assisted with developing the library
within the Swan Lake retirement community. She also enjoyed spending time playing with her grandchildren, walking her dog, and partaking in Tai-chi, line dancing, and reading clubs.

Ellen is remembered for enthusiastically celebrating all holiday events each year with her family; being a gracious and nurturing host to groups of neighbourhood children as they played in her backyard and basement; warmly welcoming patrons at the front desk of the Markham Village Library with her lovely smile; enjoying time spent chatting with friends; and, most importantly, the love she heartily bestowed upon her family, friends, and community. And who can forget her love for chocolate?

Online condolences can be made at www.dixongarland.com. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Parkinson Canada charity at www.parkinson.ca or to the Markham Public Library.