Margaret Edith Miller's Obituary
Margaret Edith Miller, 82, earned her angel wings on March 15, 2026. Born in Hammond, IN, Peggy, as her father lovingly nicknamed her, moved with her parents Frederick and Geraldine Saffran and brother Donald, to Phoenix, AZ when she was young. After graduating from Phoenix Union High School, she began her first job at the local telephone company. Her sense of adventure soon carried her to the skies where she built a remarkable 42-year career as a flight attendant, working for Bonanza Air Lines, Airwest, Hughes Airwest, Republic Airlines, and later Northwest Airlines. Early in her career she served as base manager in Phoenix, and in her later years she achieved the elite role of purser, serving as the senior-most cabin crew member proudly flying international routes to Amsterdam.
Her career allowed her to travel coast to coast across the United States and internationally, including destinations such as San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Osaka and Narita, Japan. Peggy embraced every journey with grace, professionalism, and curiosity about the world.
It was at the airport where fate brought her the greatest journey of all—meeting the love of her life, Ralph Miller. The two married in 1970, welcoming two daughters, Shannon (Miller) Gulla and Shelley Miller, into their hearts and home. In 1985 they relocated to Germantown, TN, where they built a home filled with laughter, encouragement, and unwavering support.
No matter where the friendly skies took her, Peggy’s greatest priority was always her family, especially her two daughters. She never missed a dance recital, a theater production, or an honor society induction. She gave her time, talents, and love freely, ultimately earning an award from the girls’ high school for her outstanding contribution of talents and service.
Peggy shared a lifelong love of needlepoint and crochet with her mother and aunts, traditions she joyfully passed on to her daughters. She was also an exceptional cook, known for creating beautifully decorative cakes for birthdays and holidays. Peggy never missed an opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones, from birthdays and graduations to the cherished first day of school each year. Nothing made her happier than cheering on her girls in all of their activities and adventures through high school, college, graduate school and their professional careers.
She delighted in watching her oldest daughter get married, welcoming a wonderful son-in-law to the family. Later she chose to retire so she could help care for her grandchildren, a role she embraced with great delight and devotion.
An animal lover at heart, Peggy shared her home with many beloved pets over the years, including her cherished Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terriers, who brought her endless joy and companionship.
Peggy will be remembered as the ultimate champion, supporter, caregiver, and a fiercely loyal and loving mother. Her kindness, strength, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her.
Her legacy lives on in the family she adored, the traditions she passed down, and the countless memories she created.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Geraldine Saffran; her brother, Donald Saffran; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph Miller; daughters Shannon Miller Gulla (Ross) and Shelley Miller; granddaughters Megan and Sarah Grace Gulla; niece Kimberly Saffran Schneider; and nephew Andy Saffran.
Services will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9am and the service will follow at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Memphis Great Strides Walk, specifically Team Sarah Grace.
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