Anne Whitehouse Miller, 80, of Tenants Harbor, died unexpectedly at her home on Nov. 26.
Born in Great Barrington, Mass. on Aug. 4, 1927, she was the daughter of Arnold A. and Marguerite E.W. Mallary Whitehouse.
She spent her early years in Great Barrington, Mass. where she attended local schools. As a teen, she moved with her family to Stockbridge, Mass. where she attended Northfield School for Girls, graduating with the class of 1945. While at Northfield, she enjoyed singing with the Glee Club.
Having summered many years at Cape Porpoise, she moved there permanently in 1947. In the fall of 1945, she began studies at Colby College, from which she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1949. At Colby she was again active in Glee Club and was privileged to meet her future husband who was also a student at that institution.
On Dec. 31, 1947, she married Carlton D. Miller at Cape Porpoise. As they were both still working toward their degrees, the couple’s first home was at Colby College, Waterville.
Graduating in 1949, they moved to South Portland, where Mr. Miller began his career as a teacher at South Portland High School. Two years later, they again made their home in Cape Porpoise. For 14 years, Mrs. Miller taught at Kennebunkport Consolidated School. While serving as an educator, she also raised her nine children and, in 1967, earned her Masters of Education from the University of Southern Maine.
Following her husband’s retirement from South Portland High School, the Millers moved to Tenants Harbor. For more than 33 years, she owned and operated the Cod End Fish Market at Tenants Harbor. Serving the recreational boating community, the Cod End became a landmark on the coast of Maine. In the summer, the Cod End also serves as a focal point for daily family gatherings. One of her favorite sayings is carved on a board in the Cod End: “The family that works together”.
Hard working and passionate about doing the very best, Mrs. Miller expected as much from others as she demanded from herself. Coupled with her strong work ethic was her strong sense of selflessness described by her children as “always there for each child whatever their needs may be”. In addition to those traits, many would tell you that she was fiercely independent and often preferred to do things herself.
Mrs. Miller was an active volunteer at St. George School and in earlier years, served as a den mother with the Cub Scouts in Kennebunkport.
She considered her family to be her greatest joy and accomplishment. Family, friends and neighbors enjoyed the special holiday celebrations held at her home. Always active in the lives of her children, she enjoyed attending the interscholastic events of her children and later, her grandchildren.
Her passions were numerous and diverse. Part of her daily routine was caring for her pets. She loved being outdoors, whether it be gardening, skiing, sailing, walking or going on barefooted adventures across sandbars and rocky shores while on family island picnics. Reading and knitting were lifelong pastimes. She was an excellent cook. Music brought her great joy and comfort. One could often observe her tapping her fingers and toes to the tunes that surrounded her. Extremely creative, she flourished in a creative environment.
She was a member of the Maine State Teachers Association.
Mrs. Miller was predeceased by a son, John V. “Jud” Miller in 1975, and a sister, Muriel “Juni” Breads Whitehouse Ludwig in 1993.
She is survived by her husband, Carlton of 60 years; children and spouses, Dan W. and Pauline Miller, Anne Miller, Peter M. and Ruth Miller, Susan Miller, Hale W. Miller, Ira M. “Tad” and Julie Miller, all of Tenants Harbor, Heidi E. and John Michaels of Portland, and Sky M. and Barry Ryan of Durham, N.H.; sister, Sky Pennel of Mapleton, Ore.; brothers, Arnold A. Whitehouse and wife Eleanor, and Edward H. Whitehouse and wife Susan, all of Cape Porpoise; grandchildren, Jennifer Miller, Stephany Kavan, Jacob Miller, Jed Miller, Joshua Miller, Clint Miller, Annika Michaels, Danya Michaels, Meghan Miller, Mallary Miller, Kiera Ryan, Blake Miller, Keely Ryan, and Eli Miller; 12 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her spirit, her creativity, her energy, her compassion and her love will be sadly missed.
Celebration of her life 11 a.m., Sat., Dec. 1 at the Ridge Church, Martinsville with Pastor Douglas Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Seaside Cemetery, Tenants Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. George Ambulance and Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.
