Joyce C. Miller

Joyce Carol Miller, 79 of Ligonier, PA peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025.  She was born June 8, 1945 in North Charleroi, PA, a daughter of the late Andrew and Helen Hotochin Sabo. She is the late daughter in law of William and Anne Miller, Sr.   Joyce lived her younger days in the Mon Valley.  She was a Catholic girl by faith, having attended catholic grade school at St. Jerome Church in Charleroi and graduated from Mon Valley Catholic High School in Monongahela.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude, from California State College. 

Joyce was affectionally known as “Mrs. Miller” to over a thousand preschool children in the Mon Valley.  She served as Director for all the children’s programs at the Mon Valley YMCA for many years before opening and operating New Adventure Learning Center at Penn Highlands- Mon Valley over thirty-five years ago.  She provided a nurturing environment to all children and families who loved her. 

Her beautiful soul will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 60 years, William J. Miller, Jr., Esq and her daughters Michelle Miller-Kotula (Jeff) of Washington, PA and Raquel Virgili (Sean) of Fallowfield Township.  Her pride and joy were her grandchildren Levi and Aspen Virgili and Malley and Maeve Kotula, who she adored with all of her heart. She leaves behind a sister Andrea Wilson (Jack Fry) and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patti and Paul Pigeon.  Joyce had five nieces and several great nieces and nephews.

All who knew Joyce would attest to her wonderful personality, the ability to light up the room around her, whether she was surrounded by family, relaxing at the family condo at Seven Springs, spending time with college friends and their spouses, traveling the world with close friends, or enjoying every moment walking around town, going to local coffee shops and restaurants while being with her cherished friends from Ligonier.  She loved nothing more than to dance with her husband Bill, sing, shop, garden or lend a helping hand. She was the kindest woman one would ever meet and her cheerful personality will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. in the McCabe Funeral Home, 144 East Main Street, Ligonier. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Vincent College Archabbey Basilica, (a place Joyce truly loved) with the Very Rev. Killian Loch, O.S.B. as celebrant.  Entombment will be made in the Saint Vincent Mausoleum. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church.

 Online condolences may be made to www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com