Marilyn Miller

Marilyn Jean (Waldo) Traut Miller passed quietly from this world into the arms of Jesus, with the full moon lighting her way, early in the morning of May 25, 2013, at the age of 82.

Born in Erie, PA, on 12/16/30 to proud parents, Mildred G. (Weis) Waldo and Roy E. Waldo, who predeceased her. Predeceased also by her only sibling, Robert B. Waldo; son, Robert K. Traut; husband, Donald F. Miller; stepdaughter, Darcie (Miller) Snyder (Cassadaga, NY); and former husband, Ernest W. Traut.

Jean is survived by her 3 loving children - daughter, Sally E. (Traut/Ferko) Valone (Robert) of North East, PA; and sons, Richard W. Traut (Jennifer) of Erie, PA, and James E. Traut (Catherine) of Pittsburgh, PA.; seven beloved grandchildren, Justin Ferko (Craig Foster) of Portland, OR; Jared Ferko (Emily) of Verona, WI; Jason and Katie Traut of Erie, PA; Emily Silva (Mat) of Naples, FL; Juliana Traut of San Francisco, CA; and Kathryn Traut of Cincinnati, OH; four precious great-grandchildren, Tatiana, Lily, and Jasmine Silva of Naples, FL, and Lincoln Ferko of Verona, WI.; her son-in-law, Thomas Ferko (Vangie Colish) of Erie, PA; 2 dear step-sons, Brad Miller (Debbie) of Erie, PA and Doug Miller of Allen, Texas; and her step-grandsons, Garrett and Dan Miller of Erie, PA. Last but not least, her two dedicated cats, Chloe and Zoey, survive her.

Jean was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School in Erie, PA. She served in various secretarial/telephone operator capacities, most notably at Hammermill and the Erie Downtown YMCA. She was proud to have been a "Tab" girl at several Erie supermarket locations, and was active as a Tracy School room mother and with Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts when her children were young.

She was a phenomenal cook, who had a passion for collecting recipes and cookbooks (which she actually read and tabbed), and an avid collector of all things "cat". She found great pleasure in nature, spending much time at Presque Isle, swimming in Lake Erie and beach combing in younger years. She joyfully toiled in her beautiful flower gardens, nurturing them daily with great satisfaction, even into her 80's. A woman with a kind heart for homeless animals (especially cats), Jean saved and welcomed many unwanted pets into her family households from childhood through her entire adult life.

Jean was a cancer survivor, having valiantly battled the dreaded disease four different times in her life. She had a strong will to live, until our Lord called her Home to Heaven. Jean and her family appreciate the efforts of Lakeland Area Hospice for their assistance in her care during her final days.

The Burton Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th St., Erie, PA is entrusted with arrangements.

A private celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Northwestern PA, 2507 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506, or John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501