Lea Miller

On May 20, 2008 Buffalo Gateway Chorus lost one its most dedicated members. Lea Miller celebrated 25 years in Sweet Adelines this year having been a member of three choruses and serving in a multitude of positions throughout her time in the organization she loved. Her membership began in 1983 when, after raising her 3 children, she decided to do something for herself and so joined the Northtowns Chorus in North Tonawanda, NY.  While a member of Northtowns she joined a quartet, singing bass with “Friendly Persuasion.”

Northtowns eventually merged with the Greater Kenmore Chorus (now City of Lights Chorus) and Lea, just as she had done in the past, continued to head various committees and hold many elected positions.  To name just a few, they were that of President, Vice President, Membership Chairperson, Choreographer and Ways/Means. 

In 1989, she lost her husband and a few years later met Mike Woods who would be a great friend and supporter, both of her and her choruses, for the next 17 years.   In 1999, she joined the Buffalo Gateway Chorus and, again, joined a quartet, “Comfort Zone,” continuing to sing bass as she did for her entire time with the Sweet Adelines. While a member of BGC she also served as Region 16’s Membership/ Marketing Coordinator.

 In late 2001 Lea was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer but continued to sing and attend rehearsals in between all of her hospital stays and treatments. She always kept her sense of humor and her hopes high that she would be able to sing with Buffalo Gateway on the International stage in Honolulu, Hawaii this November. Sadly, that was not meant to be.

Lea Miller leaves behind her 3 grown children, 2 brothers, 1 sister and seven grandchildren about whom she enthusiastically talked and laughed.  Buffalo Gateway Chorus has lost a dear friend and singer who loved nothing more than to be with us on the risers every Wednesday night.  It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to her.

She will be greatly missed by all.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Jane White                                                                                      (Buffalo Gateway Chorus)

 
Buffalo Gateway Chorus ©  2007
edited   05/11/09 06:08 PM