Gillian Miller

Gillian was born on February 1st, 1948 in the small village of Lands in County Durham, England the second daughter to Edna and Gilbert Denham. She was a very intelligent, driven child and later became a physical therapist graduating top girl in her class. She moved to Leicster for professional pursuits where she met John Miller, who was in the US army. He convinced her to buy a one way plane ticket to America and marry him. Gillian made her journey to the U.S in 1970 settling in Phoenix, Arizona where she remained for the next fifty years. Five years later, she welcomed her only child, Ellen. Due to her degree not being recognized in the US, Gillian began working at the Blood Bank. She later worked in real estate and mortgage. Divorcing in 1980, Gillian continued to be an independent woman, working hard and raising her daughter. Gillian bought her little home on Flower Street with the garden in 1985, which she loved dearly and stayed until the end. In 1986, Gillian met her life partner, Gearld, at Char’s Has the Blues. Gearld kindness and patience made him the yin to Gillian’s yang. Gillian and Gearld started a successful taxi cab company pre Uber. They loved to travel and Gillian enjoyed sharing her English experience with Gearld taking him back to the countryside many times. In addition to multiple trips to England, they visited Australia, Canada and many places in the states. Gillian was a devoted grandma to her two grandchildren, Michaela and Drew. She babysat, did school pick ups and sleepovers often. She later became the biggest fan to her grandson Drew, never missing a football, basketball or baseball game. She cheered loudly and even traveled to tournaments in Utah, Nevada, California and even New York. Unfortunately, Gillian began to suffer memory loss and this was a huge challenge to a woman who thrived on her trivia knowledge, crossword puzzles, debating current events and keeping in touch with numerous friends. Gearld reamined magnificent to the end, taking care of Gillian in sickness and health. Gillian passed peacefully at home on Flower Street after a brief four days in hospice. Gilllian lived a wonderful life and enjoyed the simple pleasures of chatting with friends, homemade gifts, gardening, puzzles, painting, traveling and spending time with family and friends and she will be greatly missed. Gillian is survived by her loving husband Gearld, daughter Ellen, grandchildren Michaela and Drew, her sister Ann and a large extended family. A celebration of Gillian’s life will be held on Thursday, January 7th at 4pm at A.L Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary 710 W. Bethany Home Phoenix, AZ.