Gwendolyn Anne Miller, age 77, of Morgantown, PA, passed peacefully at her home into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Born on April 1, 1943 in Norristown, PA, she was the daughter of Blair Franklin and Kathryn Anne (Brown) Miller.
Following graduation from Phoenixville Area High School in 1961, Gwen taught in the Music Department at the Overbrook School for the Blind, while tirelessly earning her B.S. Degree from West Chester University. During the early part of her 38 year career as an Elementary Teacher for the Twin Valley School District, she earned her M.Ed. Degree from Millersville University.
Since a young child, her true passion was always children, and through her passion she found her purpose as an adult. Whether it was in her 38 years as a teacher or her 70 years as a member of the First United Methodist Church in Phoenixville, Gwen found her place nurturing and serving children. Parents would say, "She made a difference in education!" When the PTA was dissolved, Gwen came up with "PIE" - Partner in Education. She was a TRUE Partner with and for everyone and always epitomized inclusivity. Her strong faith led her to many opportunities at church. As a long time member of the vocal and bell choirs, she still found time to direct the Children's Choir. Over and above the usual sweet songs the children would sing, they were given the opportunity to attend the Annual Choir Festivals at the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting…all the children traveling in a large van with Gwen behind the wheel! Every year they had a chance to perform in Easter and Christmas Pageants…costumes, music and all!
In 1979, when single parent adoption was not a part of the system, Gwen found a way to make her dream of having children of her own come true. With the strength and conviction of her Servant Heart, she adopted her beloved Lisa and Ann, and together they created a family for each other. She had unofficially "adopted" even before that, when she took Debbie Pennuto under her "Angel Wings". She went on to expand her family even further, by taking guardianship over her grandchildren, Angela and Corey, as well as caring for her great-granddaughter, Alaina, these past nine years. Gwen was truly a Godsend, providing steadfast love to all her children, unconditionally. Aside from all this, she always spent quality time with her grandsons, Dylan DaDamio and Kevin Tyson, Jr. and her granddaughter Jacqueline DaDamio. She knew that when we realize God's purpose for our life isn't just about ourselves, HE will use it in a mighty way. And that HE did!
Beyond living out her purpose, Gwen always found time for fun and laughter …Riding bicycles at the beach or riding in her red VW Beatle with the top down. Spending weeks at Ocean City, N.J. with her children or her circle of devoted friends, the "Bitties". Watching the Golden Girls episodes for a time to relax and laugh out loud. Enjoying the excitement of live entertainment. Meeting for Sunday brunches with family and friends. The list could go on! For Gwen it was a FULL, FULL LIFE! Truly… A Life of Significance!
The following are quotes from just a few of those who knew and loved Gwen. To them she was……."loving, devout and devoted, selfless, giving, respectful, a real lady, good neighbor, huge heart and loving soul, patient, beloved, a sweet sweet soul, the kindest person you ever want to meet, truly a gift, an amazing person, the Maria von Trapp of her time, a remarkable lady who will be greatly missed, always smiling." Others shared… "I feel blessed that she touched the lives of my family." "How lucky I am to have had her in my life for 52 years." "She was my Saving Angel from Heaven. I would not be who I am or where I am without her." "If anybody deserves Heaven, it's Gwen". Her first Grandson, Dylan, uttered to his Mother, "God had a plan for Mimi, and it was for her to go peacefully in her sleep, because that's what she deserved". Her dearest friend and colleague of 52 years knew in her heart that "She went to sleep and woke up in Heaven."
Gwen is survived by two daughters, Lisa A. DaDamio of Reading, PA and Ann M. Miller of Hershey, PA; five grandchildren, Angela F. Miller, Corey M. Miller, Kevin P. Tyson, Dylan T. DaDamio and Jacqueline R. DaDamio; one great- granddaughter, Alaina F. Limoges; two siblings, Kathryn Blair Miller of The Villages, FL and Blair Clark Miller of Kimberton, PA; two nephews, Blair Clark Miller ll and wife, Amy Miller of Shoemakersville, PA and Curtis G. Kirkhoff and wife, Lily Kirkhoff of Holly Springs, NC.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be made by visiting www. PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.