Mary Katherine Miller

Mary Katherine Miller

Mary Katherine Miller, 70, born on July 26, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, peacefully passed away in her sleep on January 9, 2019. She resided in Glendora, California at the time of her passing.

Mary was born to the loving parents Carla Lorenzina Fiore and Joseph John Fiore Sr. At an early age, Mary suffered from polio and was burdened with a cast for the better part of her childhood. The thing that stood out was that she never complained about it. As the Fiore family grew Mary stood strong and was always there to help support and raise her younger brothers and sisters, again never complaining about it. When both of her parents Joe and Carla passed away, Mary happily became the family matriarch. As the oldest of seven children she had the courage to step in and help the big family. Families have many challenges and raising children as parents can be a challenge in and of itself. It can be even harder as a sibling and for this we are eternally grateful for Mary and her strength to do so.

One of Mary's passions was basketball and she supported the sport within the local community. She loved being a part of many players careers and was proud when Tracey Murray and his brother Cameron from Glendora made it to the NBA, along with her nephew Pete Strobl, and many other athletes. Mary loved being part of the basketball community and also supported basketball camps that helped kids stay active and learn the sport from some very talented athletes. This enthusiasm for sports carried into Mary's family as well. She was always supportive her daughter Julie Ann's athletic adventures, and she encouraged those passions in her grandkids too.

Mary's long-time commitment to helping others was also apparent in both her faith and her career. She was a devout Catholic and consistently and faithfully supported many charities associated with the Catholic Church.

Mary also had a couple other loves she cherished, she loved and collected Owl's and has many beautiful ones in her collection and then there was her love for Disney, she shared that love with the entire family and Winnie The Pooh was her favorite, with whom she passed that love of the happy place to us all.

Professionally, Mary worked in banking and helped many companies and individuals with their financial and book keeping needs. She loved her work and was very good at her job.

Mary is survived by a large and loving family. Beginning with her loving husband Larry Miller, who has been by her side every day since they met. The entire family is so very grateful for Larry, not only for always being there for Mary, but for being a man of courage and grace for so many years. Along with Larry, Mary leaves behind their children Julie Ann and Stephen Michael. Julie Ann has extended her family and is now married to a wonderfully supportive man named Kenny Singleton. Mary was extremely proud of her grandchildren children Cameron Joseph (22), Michael Louis (19), and Mackenzie Katherinne (14). She loved being a grandmother and loved doing absolutely everything for them.

Mary is also survived by her loving brothers and sisters, Joseph Jr., Paulette (deceased), Carla, Becky, Mark, and Michael. Her siblings are all grateful for Mary and all she had done for each of them.

Mary adored her immediate and extended family. She loved her summer vacations and one of her all-time favorite family traditions was their summer stays at Newport Beach. A not so far from home get away that has created a lifetime of memories for Mary and the rest of the family, Newport will always be a special place for her. If you're ever in Newport Beach, California, you can blow a kiss our say a quick prayer because we all know Mary will surely be hanging around there feeling that California sun and ocean breeze on her face.

Mary's arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California. A viewing will take place on January 21, 2019 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., PST. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday January 22, 2019 at 2:00p.m., PST.

In Loving Memory, we not only say goodbye, but we send Big Love to Mary as she heads onto her next adventure. We love you deeply.