Germaine` Miller

Germaine M. Miller passed away peacefully in her bed Friday, December 30, 2016, at the age of 87 in Saranac Lake, NY.

Born in Saranac Lake, NY on January 09, 1929, she was the daughter of Leonard and Amy (Roy) Martin. Germaine fell in love with and then married William (Bill) Miller on July 14, 1948 at St. Bernard's Church. He predeceased her on December 12th, 1990.

Germaine and Bill moved throughout the North Country from 1949 - 1975, while Bill served as a NYS Trooper with Troop B. During these years they raised 2 children, George & Amy. Germaine served as the Director of Volunteers for Alice Hyde Hospital, and was instrumental in the founding and building of the first SPCA shelter in Malone, NY. She worked at Empsall's Department Store as a bookkeeper for several years, until she became the owner/proprietor of Germaine's Gift Shop.

Germaine and Bill returned to Saranac Lake in 1975 and soon established a proprietary care home with their son George and daughter-in-law Jeanette. Germaine cared for people in her home until 2001, when she had to have a hip replacement, that slowed her down a bit, but not for long.

Together with Rogene LeMay & Adele Finnegan, her two forever friends and antique buddies, Germaine enjoyed scouring the north-east for antique treasures. She had a great eye and great appreciation for beauty.

A "Grande Dame" till the end, Germaine was a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, business owner, caregiver, antique dealer and friend to all she met. She was caring, giving, thoughtful and was always up for a grand time. Germaine’s smile would light up a room and her passion for experiencing all life had to offer was inspiring.

She is survived by one son George (Jeanette) Miller of Saranac Lake, one daughter Amy (Keith) Mandernach of Wilmington, one sister Joyce (Jon) Petri of Napa Valley, California, one sister-in-law Ruth Misulis of Greenville, N.C.,six grandchildren Joel Miller (Michaela-fiancée), Malynda Boyle, Erik (Amy) Boyle, Laura Miller (Jeff-fiancée), Patrick (Alexis) Cantwell and Elisa (Trae) Jones, four great-grandchildren Leni Boyle, Sophia Cantwell, Ryler Boyle and Reece Boyle and many nieces and nephews, all were loved and very important to her. Four brothers Gilbert, Robert, Newell and Joseph Martin preceded her in death.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A celebration of life and graveside service will take place in the early summer at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake. A Mass at St. Bernard’s Church will be offered for her at 12:00 PM on Thursday January 19, 2016.

Friends wishing to remember Germaine may make memorial contributions to Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad or SPCA in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.