Sister Miriam Clare Miller, CHM, 93, died Dec. 10 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston.
Born Catherine Lucille Miller on May 19, 1918, to Joseph (Harry) and Mary (Mae) Kouba Miller in Prescott, she entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary on July 3, 1935. She professed vows on July 17, 1938.
Sr. Miller received an A.A. degree from Ottumwa Heights College and a B.A. degree from Marycrest College in Davenport. Completing her R.N. in 1946, she began her lifelong ministry in health care at St. Joseph Hospital, later Ottumwa Regional Hospital. Pediatrics was her post-baccalaureate specialization. She served as director of Nursing Service from 1973-87.
Sr. Miller was active in national, Iowa and local nursing associations, serving as secretary of the Iowa Nurses’ Association for several years. Her involvement in civic organizations included groups such as the Wapello County Association for Retarded Children and Tenco Workshop Inc., and the American Cancer Society.
She retired in 1995 and moved to the Humility of Mary Center in Davenport in 2003. In 2006 she moved to Bishop Drumm Retirement Center where she resided until her death.
Sr. Miller’s funeral was scheduled to be held Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation Church. Burial follows in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Ottumwa. Memorials may be made to Prevent Child Abuse Iowa or the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.
