Sister Miriam Joseph Miller, MM
Born: February 20, 1915
Entered: December 8, 1934
Died: October 2, 1987
On the Feast of the Guardian Angels, October 2, 1987, Sister Miriam Joseph died peacefully in our Nursing Home.
Mary Rose Miller was born in La Grande, Oregon on February 20, 1915, eldest of six children born to Joseph and Agnes O’Leary Miller. She attended St. Stephen’s grammar school and St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon. Before entering Maryknoll in 1934 (December 8), Mary Rose studied for 3 years at Maryhurst College in Oswego, Oregon. She became interested in Maryknoll and mission through the Field Afar Magazine, feeling it was the best way she could serve God.
At Reception, Mary Rose received the name Sister Miriam Joseph. Before her first profession on June 30, 1937, she received her Teachers Certificate from Maryknoll Teachers Training School. Soon after that she was sent to Manhattanville College in New York City where she graduated in 1938 obtaining a B.S. in Special Science. She wrote to Mother Mary Joseph when she went, “I don’t know whether I am surprised or overcome. I will work hard to do my best to truly represent Maryknoll.”
Sister Miriam Joseph’s first assignment was to Waikiki, Hawaii. She was described as a beautiful religious with a lovely disposition. She made her final profession there on June 30, 1940. Most of her active life was spent teaching; always considered an excellent teacher by her students and peers. Her teaching skills were put to use in Hawaii, San Juan Capistrano, Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago Chinatown. And in the early 70s her attention to detail served us well in Rogers Library. Wherever she was the comment often made was that she was a comfort to the house.