Mary Miller

Mary Miller, 85, passed away peacefully at her home at The Garlands of Barrington on Sunday, March 22, 2026, following a long and courageous journey with dementia, one she met with remarkable joy.

Mary Cecilia Johns was born on April 6, 1940, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Lucile and G. A. Johns. She was the fifth of eight children (including one stillborn) and remained deeply connected to her siblings and their extended families throughout her life.

After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN, Mary began her professional life as a fourth-grade teacher, a role that reflected her natural warmth, patience, and love of guiding young minds.

In December 1967, she married James D. Miller. Together, they built a life on Tower Lake, IL where she lived for more than 50 years.

Mary lived with an abiding enthusiasm for life. She loved sports—both playing and watching—and remained active for decades, enjoying tennis, skiing, and swimming. Later, she embraced sailing, a passion she discovered after marrying.

Music and faith formed the heart of Mary’s life. At Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda, she gave generously of her time and spirit—teaching Sunday School, leading adult Bible and topical studies, and, most memorably, directing the children’s choir. For many years, she brought joy to countless families through annual cantatas and musical productions that became cherished traditions. She had a way of turning rehearsals into laughter, insisting that joy was as important as getting the notes right.

More than anything, Mary will be remembered for her joyful presence, her deep faith in and love for Jesus, and the way she brought people together—through music, through family, and through a spirit that made others feel welcomed and loved.

She is survived by her siblings Peace Finlayson, Dan Johns (Jane), Philip Johns (Jane), and Ruth Niemi, along with the extended Johns family; her children and stepchildren: Scott (Bonnie), Max, Carol (Ruud), Alec, and Andy (Suzanne); and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Holly Wondra (Nick) and their four children; Bekah Vallejo (Christian) and their two daughters; David Stephens (Krista) and their four daughters; Jack Stephens; Asher Stephens; Melody Miller; Drew Miller; and Joel Miller; and oodles of beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; her brothers, Paul Johns and Ted Johns; and her brothers-in-law, Dick Finlayson and Jack Niemi.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Garlands of Barrington, as well as the caregivers and medical teams from The Garlands, Synergy, and Enfermera, for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, with church open for greetings and sharing at 10:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, Illinois. A meal will follow at Messiah for more sharing, remembrance, and celebration of Mary and her life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, Mary and family requested that memorial contributions be made to:

• Messiah Lutheran Church (Music or Education Fund), P.O. Box 23, Wauconda, IL 60084

• Purdue University Musical Organizations, Hall of Music Office, Elliott Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47907

• Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

• Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607