100th Birthday Celebration 2006
Genevieve N. Miller (October 3, 1906 - September 26, 2008)
Genevieve Newman Miller, a twenty year resident of Windsor ParkManor in Carol Stream, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 26th. At the time of her death, plans were underway to celebrate Genevieve's 102nd birthday on October 3rd with family and friends. Plans have continued posthumously in memory of a virtuous woman who lived an exemplary life of faith and perseverance despite the growing restraints of age. It is never too late to honor a life lived centered in God to serve, rather than to be served. The source of Genevieve's security, guidance, wisdom, and power remained steadfast throughout her lifetime. As she aged, Genevieve grew in stature as a teacher, but never lost the desire to learn and grow as a recipient of grace; the Amazing Grace that promises a full and abundant life. Born on October 3, 1906, Genevieve would witness a century of change. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her brother Harold under the strict discipline of her mother, Jennie Millburn Newman and papa-Oliver Wesley. She was raised in the Free Methodist Church and would later work for the Free Methodist Publishing House in Chicago. Genevieve graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Wessington Springs College in South Dakota in 1930. She also earned a B. A. in Commerce from the University of Iowa in 1938. Certified to teach in Iowa and Illinois, she used her teaching skills to serve in multiple endeavors throughout her life as a pastor's wife and a senior citizen. Genevieve married Frank Miller May 1, 1942. He preceded her in death on December 29, 1982. Genevieve built a distinguished career with the Department of Veterans Affairs and worked in the Blind Rehabilitation program at Edward Hines, Jr. V A hospital in Hines, Illinois. She began her professional career as an administrative secretary and eventually worked her way up through the ranks to Assistant Chief of Staff. During this time she took graduate courses at the University of Chicago and the Hadley School of the Blind. Genevieve taught veterans from World War II, the Korean War and Viet Nam how to read and write Braille. While the blind veterans were being taught to see with their mind by depending on their other senses, Genevieve taught the therapists to see with their heart in helping to restore the dignity of the blind. She continued to teach and demonstrate what it means to see beyond outward appearances and absolutes. Her credo was patience and completion of the task at hand. Genevive retired in 1970 after 24 years of service. Although Genevive never had children, she was blessed with an extended family of nieces and nephews and the closest friends that loved and embraced her as their own. In celebration of Genevieve Newman Miller, a memorial service is scheduled from 11 AM to Noon on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Wheaton Wesleyan Church, 1300 S. President Street in Wheaton. Visitation will take place from 10:00 - 11 :00 AM. Interment will take place in Toddville, Iowa on Friday, October 3rd, Genevieve's 102nd birthday. Memorials may be directed to the Wheaton Wesleyan Church. Family and friends may sign a guest book at www.hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call the Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Genevieve Newman Miller, a twenty year resident of Windsor ParkManor in Carol Stream, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 26th. At the time of her death, plans were underway to celebrate Genevieve's 102nd birthday on October 3rd with family and friends. Plans have continued posthumously in memory of a virtuous woman who lived an exemplary life of faith and perseverance despite the growing restraints of age. It is never too late to honor a life lived centered in God to serve, rather than to be served. The source of Genevieve's security, guidance, wisdom, and power remained steadfast throughout her lifetime. As she aged, Genevieve grew in stature as a teacher, but never lost the desire to learn and grow as a recipient of grace; the Amazing Grace that promises a full and abundant life. Born on October 3, 1906, Genevieve would witness a century of change. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her brother Harold under the strict discipline of her mother, Jennie Millburn Newman and papa-Oliver Wesley. She was raised in the Free Methodist Church and would later work for the Free Methodist Publishing House in Chicago. Genevieve graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Wessington Springs College in South Dakota in 1930. She also earned a B. A. in Commerce from the University of Iowa in 1938. Certified to teach in Iowa and Illinois, she used her teaching skills to serve in multiple endeavors throughout her life as a pastor's wife and a senior citizen. Genevieve married Frank Miller May 1, 1942. He preceded her in death on December 29, 1982. Genevieve built a distinguished career with the Department of Veterans Affairs and worked in the Blind Rehabilitation program at Edward Hines, Jr. V A hospital in Hines, Illinois. She began her professional career as an administrative secretary and eventually worked her way up through the ranks to Assistant Chief of Staff. During this time she took graduate courses at the University of Chicago and the Hadley School of the Blind. Genevieve taught veterans from World War II, the Korean War and Viet Nam how to read and write Braille. While the blind veterans were being taught to see with their mind by depending on their other senses, Genevieve taught the therapists to see with their heart in helping to restore the dignity of the blind. She continued to teach and demonstrate what it means to see beyond outward appearances and absolutes. Her credo was patience and completion of the task at hand. Genevive retired in 1970 after 24 years of service. Although Genevive never had children, she was blessed with an extended family of nieces and nephews and the closest friends that loved and embraced her as their own. In celebration of Genevieve Newman Miller, a memorial service is scheduled from 11 AM to Noon on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Wheaton Wesleyan Church, 1300 S. President Street in Wheaton. Visitation will take place from 10:00 - 11 :00 AM. Interment will take place in Toddville, Iowa on Friday, October 3rd, Genevieve's 102nd birthday. Memorials may be directed to the Wheaton Wesleyan Church. Family and friends may sign a guest book at www.hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call the Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
