Margaret J. (Zola) Miller, 83, of Acton, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by the comfort of family, dear friends and her beloved Fiona. She was the loving wife for 40 years of the late Maj. Jerry A. Miller, USAF (Ret.) who died in 2015.
She was born at her family's home in Sterling on March 9, 1939 to her late parents, Joseph and Louise (Calcia) Zola. A 1957 graduate of Wachusett Regional High School, she was remembered for her sense of humor among fellow classmates. Her yearbook quote appropriately reads "so much laughter, so much life enjoyed."
Margaret worked for General Radio Company in Concord as an Administrative Assistant before focusing on raising her family as a dedicated mother. She enjoyed periodically volunteering for her children's schools, and supporting them in every endeavor throughout their lives. She was a parishioner and choir member at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in West Concord, and in more recent years, at Holy Family Parish in Concord Center. She was also an avid reader.
Following the loss of her first husband, Margaret found comfort by attending a widow's support group organized by Our Lady's. She bonded with several women from the group, which developed close and enduring friendships that she treasured for the rest of her life. Her involvement in the group also led her to Jerry, as he was introduced to Margaret through one of her friends. They fell in love, married, and merged their two families into one.
She leaves behind five children, Mark Miller and his wife Trina of Virginia Beach, VA, Tom Miller and his wife Lori Ann of New Park, PA, Jerri DeFilippis and her husband David of Saugus, MA, Peter Zoppo and his wife Erin of Hubbardston, MA and Michael Miller and his wife Bonnie of Olive Branch, MS, along with several beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Margaret was the sister of the late Michael Zola and Angie Sullivan.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visiting hours on Wednesday, June 8th from 4 to 7 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, June 9th at 9:30 am from the Dee Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center.
Please click here to view the church livestream of the Mass
. Margaret will be buried with her late husband Jerry at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Margaret's memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.