Obituary of Katie Miller

Hilton Head Island, SC—Mary Catherine Miller, aka Katie, 87, of Hilton Head, passed away on May 2, 2024. Katie was born June 24, 1936, to Paul M. Miller and Mary Duffy Miller in Cleveland, Ohio. The oldest of three girls, Katie grew up in Cleveland Heights but graduated from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in 1954 when the family relocated to Oklahoma City. After graduating from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, IN, in 1958, Katie completed a master’s degree in public administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago, where she moved after college.

Among many interesting jobs in the Chicago area, Katie worked as an elementary school teacher, in the governor’s office, for the state of Illinois, doing public relations for the Chicago Symphony, and as the deputy director in the Illinois Department on Aging, one of the first state agencies of its kind. She was always at the forefront of new ideas.

Katie relocated to Washington, D.C., in the mid-’70s, where she planted roots as a true Washingtonian. She worked for many years for the Department of Health and Human Services in public relations, always living on Capitol Hill. Katie immersed herself in neighborhood groups and volunteer work. After retiring from HHS, Katie moved to Hilton Head, where she spent many years enjoying the beach with friends and continuing her volunteer work at St. Francis Thrift Store and the Coastal Discovery Museum, in addition to other places and events.

Above all, Katie had a knack for fun—she loved entertaining friends and family and could always be counted on for a great meal or lively conversation. She was always ready with a great story and a welcoming smile; she was everyone’s friend and always ready to laugh. Katie was the family historian for not just the Millers but other branches, too—nothing could rival her wall of family photos, synonymous with wherever she called home. She loved international travel, especially Europe, though she went all over the world. She loved good literature and frequented the public library wherever she lived, treasured her trips to enjoy live opera, listened daily to classical music, and enjoyed vibrant art, including doing some painting of her own; she also loved to write.  Katie also never tired from a good in-depth discussion about current events. Her soft spot for animals led to many rescues and countless furry friends over the years.

Katie leaves behind one sister, Mary Elizabeth (Liza) Cowden of Oklahoma City, OK; one nephew, Robert (Karen) Cowden of Washington, D.C.; and three nieces: Margaret (Michael) DePhillips of Lombard, IL; Kelley (Mark) Hoffman of Edmond, OK; and Maureen (Drew) Sullivan of Overland Park, KS, all of whom she doted on and loved dearly, together with their children and many other cousins and friends’ children who also adopted her as their beloved Aunt Katie.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Ann Cosgrove.

Celebration of Life: Family will receive friends at 1 p.m. on May 17, 2024, at Seabrook Retirement Home, 300 Woodhaven Dr., Hilton Head, SC, 29928.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Thrift Store, the Coastal Discovery Museum or her final home, Seabrook.