Dorothy Louise Miller was born February 15, 1922 in Mystic, CT. She was the daughter of Joseph Lindsey and Sadie Sarah Sanchez Miller.
She attended Broadway Grammar School and graduated from Stonington High School in June, 1939. She entered The William W. Backus School of Nursing in September, 1939 and graduated from there in October, 1942. She became a registered nurse following the Connecticut State Board Examinations for Nurses.
She worked at the Backus Hospital in these positions: staff nurse, head nurse, nursing instructor, assistant director in the school of nursing, associate director in the school of nursing and associate director for nursing education and patient instruction until her retirement, forty-five years later in October, 1987.
During her working career, she received a bachelor of nursing from the University of Connecticut in 1955 and a master of arts in education from Trinity Collage in Hartford in 1965.
She was a member of the American Nurses Association, the Backus School of Nursing Alumnae Association (she served as president for many years), a past member of the Naitonal League of Nursing.
She was also a member of the American Cancer Society, Lupus Foundation, New London Landmarks, New London Maritime Society and a past member of Mystic Marine Life Aquarium, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association.
Awards received:
Volunteer recognition in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 1996 from the American Cancer Society
Service Above Self from the Norwich Rotary Club in 1995
Volunteer appreciation from the American Diabetes Association in 1990
New London Landmarks Volunteer Service Award in 2000
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 9, 2013
Miss Miller was one of the most professional nurses that I ever worked with. She set an example we should all hope to attain.
I will miss her.
Yvonne Claffey RN
March 9, 2013
Dorothy became my friend when I met her more than 20 years ago. She was not only a dedicated nurse, she was also a dedicated friend - someone I trusted implicitly. Needless to say, friends like Dorothy Miller can never be replaced. I offer my condolences and prayers to her family.
~ Kathleen Provencher, Norwich, Connecticut
March 9, 2013
Dottie Gutaj-RN
I have wonderful fond memories of Miss Miller from way back in the 1970's when I was an aide at the hospital. She would come and inspect to make sure the corners of all the beds were "properly" made. She was in inspiration to me and a role model in the nursing profession and what wholistic care was all about. I also had the privaledge to work with her through various committee work with the American Cancer Society. She will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
March 9, 2013
Rosemary Bilodeau RN
My condolences to friends and family members on the passing of a gentle woman and a nurse prototype that will be fondly remembered at Backus Hospital.
March 8, 2013
Cindy Arpin
A sweet woman with a passion for nurses and the history of our profession. I'm grateful to have known her. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
March 8, 2013
Judith Stern
She was an inspiration to everyone both as a nurse and a caring person. Judith [Blanchard] Stern
March 8, 2013
Daryl Hurlock
I wish to express my condolences to Miss Miller's family and friends. The nurses at Backus Hospital have been inspired by Miss Miller's dedication to her nursing profession and she has been an example of caring professionalism. She touched many lives over the years and we have benefited from her healing art.
March 8, 2013
Linda Bonfoey Fraser
My Mom's best friend and classmate from Backus Hospital. She was a wonderful person and my mother will be devastated that she has passed away as they chatted often. She was a great role model and friend. Please accept our condolences from the Bonfoey family in Arizona.
March 8, 2013
Heidi Morse RN
Miss Miller was a true W.W. Backus luminary who will be missed very much.
March 7, 2013
Amy Henderson (Ernie's youngest)
It is with many regrets to hear of Aunt Dottie passing. I have thought of her & many other family members over the past few years & always said "I'll call later", & now I've missed that chance. I will carry many childhood memories of her, the house on Vauxhall, fried dough & an always welcoming smile. She was truly a strong & beautiful person, seemingly always taking care of someone somehow.
I sincerely wish that I could make the service this weekend, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of the family in this difficult time. May she at last rest in peace.
March 7, 2013
Judy
I have worked at the hospital for 35 years and Miss Miller trained me. She wass a great nurse and a great lady.
March 7, 2013
Terry D'Errico
I worked with Miss Miller in Nursing Education for many years. She promoted the essence of nursing-holistic, compassionate care. She was a great influence in my nursing career! Sincere sympathy to her family.
March 7, 2013
Linda (Bravard) Clark
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one.
March 7, 2013
sincere sympathy to the family of Dorothy Miller.
She was a role model for all nurses. A true professional. She will be missed. Barbara Sullivan
March 7, 2013
Kristin Scarlata
The world just lost a great nurse. I worked for "Miss Miller" from the late seventies until her retirement from Backus. Her wisdom and ways are very much a part of the nurse I am today. I was lucky to have had a nice visit with her over lunch at the hospital last Spring. I think that she shared my concern over how hospitals and nursing have changed.
I can just imagine that she and Mildred Chojnicki are having a nice "Backus Alumni Meeting" in heaven!
My condolences to her family that she loved so much.
March 7, 2013
Dear Family of Dorothy Miller.
I had the pleasure of serving with her on the Reach To Recovery Program from the American Cancer Society for a number of years. We had many fine time's at our gatherings with Fran Wilcox, Eleanor Ward and many others. It was a pleasure and honor knowing her.She was such a fine lady!
Helen Woronik
March 7, 2013
tina nicholson
Your love is my most treasured gift, I'm so thankfull that it was you in our family. Your love held us together. You'll be forever in my heart...RIP
March 7, 2013
Ginny Edmundson
The world is a better place for the life she lived. I will remember her for the respect she so justly earned, her dedication to the nursing profession. She made a difference in my life as a Backus student nurse.
March 7, 2013
Maureen "Momo" Thayer
"Aunt Dottie" was a true matriarch of her family, always nurturing and assisting anyone who was in need. She will be truly missed by all--I am honored to have known her and spent time with her at various family events at Gary and Melissa's.
March 7, 2013
Mary Brown
Dear family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your Aunt. She was a fine example to all of us at Backus Hospital through her many roles; student, nurse, mentor, volunteer, just to name a few. She leaves a legacy of excellence and my Monday's just are not the same without her.
Sincerely,
Mary Brown, CAVS
Director, Volunteer & Guest Services
Backus Hospital
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more