Lynda Elizabeth Miller, 74, of Tyrone, passed away peacefully on Sunday. She was born in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late John and Helen (Molnar) Gavula.
On Aug. 26, 1972, in Fishertown, she married Dr. Donald S. Miller, who survives along with two daughters, Amy Miller Jerkins and wife, Leslie, of Alexandria, Va., and Marni Miller and partner, Michael Leeper, of Tyrone; three grandchildren: Kobe Mannino, Josephine Miller Jerkins and Dominik Leeper; and a brother, Ron Gavula and wife, Karen, of Trafford.
She was preceded in death by a brother, John Gavula; and two sisters, Betty and Elaine.
Lynda was known for her strong will, unwavering determination and curiosity to learn more about most everything. After graduating from Saint Margaret Memorial Hospital in Pittsburgh as a registered nurse in 1971, and meeting and marrying the love of her life, Don, she embraced a move to Alaska, though she had little experience with travel.
As a new RN, Lynda jumped right into her profession as a flight nurse and training health aides in the Alaskan villages. After five years and much more knowledge about living in the wild, she and Don returned to Pennsylvania.
Lynda went back to school to get a Bachelor of Science in Professional Arts from Saint Joseph’s College in Maine in 1991. This was followed by a Bachelor of Science as a physician assistant at Saint Francis College in Loretto in 1993, which was a profession she loved and excelled at. She was a voracious reader and teacher to young and old.
Lynda appreciated nature and was never happier than when she was in the woods listening to the birds singing or enjoying a fresh snowfall. Her joy for the simple things in life inspired others to live in the moment. Her two girls recall their mom encouraging them to “go out and dance in the spring rain!”
A celebration of life will be announced in the spring and will be held at Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting House in Fishertown.
Arrangements are by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Lynda’s name to Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting House, c/o Susan Williams, 2049 Valley Road, Schellsburg, PA 15559.
An online guest book is available at berkebilefuneralhome.com.