Irene Ostafichuk Miller, one of the area's leading musicians, founder of Serendipity Strings, active member of the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, and co-founder of the McInnis School, passed away on April 14. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John Carlisle Miller, a distinguished minister in the Alabama-West Florida Methodist Conference. They were married for 49 years and were the parents of John Paul Miller, who preceded his parents in death at the age of 15. Mrs. Miller was born January 3, 1924 in Duluth, Minnesota, the second child of Paul and Paraska Ostafichuk who immigrated to the United States from the...
Irene Ostafichuk Miller, one of the area's leading musicians, founder of Serendipity Strings, active member of the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, and co-founder of the McInnis School, passed away on April 14. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John Carlisle Miller, a distinguished minister in the Alabama-West Florida Methodist Conference. They were married for 49 years and were the parents of John Paul Miller, who preceded his parents in death at the age of 15.
Mrs. Miller was born January 3, 1924 in Duluth, Minnesota, the second child of Paul and Paraska Ostafichuk who immigrated to the United States from the Ukraine in 1922. Irene was an accomplished violinist who studied at the Bradbury Conservatory of Music, the University of Minnesota and the University of Alabama.
Not only did she use her musical talents to glorify God through worship and church programs, but she also ministered through her music to her violin students. Throughout her life, she taught hundreds of students not only to play the violin, but to be better people through the outreach of music. Every student was in some way special to her, and she patiently-with great insight and understanding-challenged each one of them to be their very best.
She maintained her professional career through her involvement with the Duluth Symphony, the Mobile Symphony & Orchestra, the Pensacola Symphony, the Meridian Symphony, and the Montgomery Symphony. Mrs. Miller was also a member of Delta Omicron, an honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a pianist for the Liberty Star Chapter of Eastern Star, and the Youth Choir Director for many of the churches that she served alongside her husband.
Her favorite undertaking was her work on behalf of the mentally challenged. She and Dr. Miller, along with several other families, were the founders of what is now known as the McInnis School. The program-which began in a Sunday School class at the First United Methodist Church with their son Johnny and six other students-now serves hundreds of special needs citizens and is one of the most outstanding facilities in the state.
Irene's membership in many varied service organizations included serving as President of the State Music Club of Alabama; the Montgomery District President of United Methodist Women; President of the Mothers Round Table; member of the Eastern Star; member of the Montgomery Music Study Club, as well as directing many musical productions community-wide.
While she leaves no surviving family members, she leaves a rich legacy of love, wisdom, and service to countless friends whose lives have been positively influenced by the life of Irene O. Miller.
Honorary pallbearers are Retired Ministers and spouses and the Tower Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the "Joy for Johnny" Fund at First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, or the charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 17, at 11 A.M. at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. A reception will be held one hour prior the service in the Fellowship Hall.