Pauline Marie Miller, 82, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with her husband and daughter by her side.
Pauline was the third of five children, born to Oscar and Mary (Slosar) Archambault on May 17, 1942, in Flint, Michigan. She attended St. John Vianney Catholic School and graduated as a registered nurse from St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1963. Pauline became the beloved wife of Michael Stuart Miller on January 25, 1964.
A gifted caretaker, Pauline began her 40 plus-year career in nursing at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint and the Community Hospital in Big Rapids, Michigan. In 1967, she moved to Traverse City, working in the emergency and operating rooms, and served as a surgical nurse at Munson Hospital. Pauline worked in home healthcare administration with the Sisters of Mercy, and completed her career at Thirlby Clinic, focused on her preferred specialty, direct patient care.
Pauline and Mike were married in a tremendous snowstorm, indicative of a life full of excitement, adventure, challenge and beauty, spanning 61 years together. Their union produced two children, Christopher Craig and Julie Ann. Always present and active in the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren, Pauline enjoyed pursing her many interests among them reading, knitting, playing bridge, sailing, skiing and snowmobiling with family and friends, traveling and photography. When quiet time allowed, she thoroughly enjoyed acrylic and watercolor painting.
Pauline was active in her community serving on the board of the Grand Traverse YMCA and volunteering for the National Cherry Festival. She was blessed by enduring friendships made through involvement in Newcomers, Reeberom, the Elks Club and the Grand Traverse Yacht Club. Pauline and Mike raised their family in Traverse City's Slabtown neighborhood and on Old Mission Peninsula, and enjoyed spending winter months in Siesta Key, Florida.
Pauline is survived by her devoted husband Michael Miller, son Chris Miller and daughter Julie Miller (Mike) Lober, grandchildren Adam Miller, Benjamin, Jacob and Paige Lober, great grandchildren Elijah and Ariana Miller, brothers Ronald (Patricia) Archambault and David (Carol) Archambault, sister Deanna Stipe, sister-in-law Juanita Archambault, brother-in-law Ronald Beitel, and fourteen nieces and nephews. Pauline was especially close to her niece Lisa Dzierwa and husband Steve, their children Andrew, Alycia and Blair, and her life-long friends Judy and Daniel Rice of Lapeer, Michigan, and Mary and Charles Deitrich of Northport, Michigan.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Mary Archambault, brother Robert Archambault, brother-in-law Robert Miller, sister-in-law Tina Beitel, and brother-in-law John Stipe.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 pm, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Reynolds Jonkoff Funeral Home, with prayer of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City. Visitation at the Church begins at 10 am, with a luncheon served in Centennial Hall after Mass. Visit immaculatetc.org to attend remotely. A Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
The Miller family is indebted to Hospice of Michigan and the staff of Orchard Creek Supportive Care for their dedication and compassionate care of Pauline. If desired, per her wishes, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at stjude.org or the Father Fred Foundation at fatherfred.org in her honor. Please visit
www.reynolds-jonkoff.com
to share your memories and condolences with her family.