Patricia N. Miller died September 1, 2026, at her home in Hampton surrounded by her family, four months after her 90th birthday. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest child of Nick and Dell Namy, Pat (as everyone knew her) played trombone in the All City High School Orchestra. After graduation, she earned a degree in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University. While preparing for her nursing career she met and eventually married a young doctor-in-training, Jess Peck Miller II. Their 62-year marriage produced seven children, and twelve grandchildren before Jess’s passing in 2021.

After completing her education in Ohio, and Jess’s two-year Navy commitment in Connecticut, the family settled in Hampton in 1964, where Pat became active in politics – managing local campaign offices for Democratic candidates – including failed presidential contenders, George McGovern, and Eugene McCarthy. She served multiple terms on the appointed City of Hampton School Board and was active in public school matters throughout her children’s upbringing. When her children’s need for her at home eventually diminished, she returned to full-time work in nursing, first as an RN in coronary care with the Riverside system, and later as Administrator of Coliseum Park Nursing Home in Hampton, and St. Francis Nursing Home in Newport News from which she eventually retired.

Though Pat’s professional accomplishments were significant they pale in comparison to her true calling as a mother and caregiver. Her seven children included two sets of twins, including her youngest, who arrived when the oldest was only six. The work of caring for such a large brood did not prevent her from opening the family home in Wythe to friends whose regular presence and lifelong support of her own children continues to this day. As BomBom (or Nana) she showed her 12 grandchildren the same deep affection, celebrating each high-school graduation with a handmade quilt she sewed from favorite t-shirts. When her husband’s health declined due to vascular dementia, she managed his care at home with the same love and warmth they shared since they were newlyweds.

In her last decades Pat’s primary non-family time was devoted to quilting. She pieced and sewed dozens of quilts, for family and friends, completing her last for her first expected great-grandchild just weeks before her passing. Her quilting, and the close friends with whom she shared this passion, kept her vital and engaged and helped her navigate the loss of her husband and two children. The quilts themselves, along with paintings, stained glass, and other creations left a widely shared legacy for her family to cherish.

Pat is survived by five of her children, and their spouses, Rebecca Ironmonger (Mike), Douglas Miller (Denine), Steven Miller (Kay), Susan Briscoe (Greg) and John Miller (Jennifer). She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and spouses. J.D. Ironmonger (Rachel), Nicholas Miller, Emily Miller, Will Ironmonger, Hope Davis (Ben), Eric Lundgren, Katy Miller, Bradley Lundgren (Abby), Thomas Miller (Madeline), Jess Miller, Jacob Miller, and Isaac Miller. She is also survived by a brother, Jerry Namy, a sister Laurie Crowther and their families. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two sons, Jess P. Miller, III and Robert Miller.

The family is grateful for all the doctors and caregivers at Riverside Hospice and Home Instead Home Health Care. In lieu of flowers, expressions of support in Pat’s memory could be made to the Seena Magowitz Foundation, supporting patient-centered pancreatic cancer research, seenamagowitzfoundation.org; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org, or a favorite charity. A memorial service and celebration of life is planned for a later date.