Barbara F. Miller

Barbara Fritz Miller, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at Hospice on September 5, 2026, after a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Buffalo, NY, on May 16, 1957, Barbara was a beacon of warmth and kindness throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met. The daughter of Robert and Catherine Rita (Probst) Fritz, Barbara was raised in a loving family in West Seneca. She was predeceased by her parents, her son Ian Robert, and her brother Mark. She is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Jerry Miller, her cherished son Alec Miller, and her siblings Robert (Mary) Fritz, Mark’s wife, Barb Fritz, Sue Cuviello (Tony), John Fritz, and in-laws Julie Ball (Ray), as well as nieces and nephews, Mike Cuviello, Carrie Cuviello, Dave Cuviello, Raymond L. Ball, Ellen (Mike) DiBernardo, grand nieces and nephews Alyssa, Stella and Max, and numerous cousins.

Barb was a proud graduate of Mt. Mercy Academy, Class of 1975, and went on to earn her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from Buffalo State College in 1980 in Speech Language Pathology. Her commitment to learning continued throughout her career, where she touched the lives of many young people. She began her professional journey as a Speech Language Pathologist at the Language Development Program in Tonawanda, which later became Summit Academy. Barbara's passion for helping children led her to work at ECMC in their Pre-K early intervention program, and later at C-HOPE, a program dedicated to young adults with disabilities. For 35 years, Barb was an active member of the Ebenezer United Church of Christ, finding strength and community in her faith. She was also an avid member of the Southtowns YMCA, enjoying many water fitness activities.

Her hobbies included bicycling, scuba diving, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. Barb had a special passion for music, enjoying listening to folk and jazz, singing, and playing her guitar. She was a supporter of local theater and various music venues. An avid reader, she enjoyed sitting on a screened-in porch at Lake Chautauqua with a book. She was a long-time blood donor with the Red Cross and donated with Connect Life.

Barb was known as a "kid magnet" for her ability to connect with children. Her warmth, openness, and easygoing nature endeared her to many. She cherished her family and friends, enjoying simple pleasures like neighborhood walks and nights out. Barb was famous for her chocolate chip cookies and Bailey's truffles. She loved the Bills and Sabres but never saw her teams win a championship.

The family thanks the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital, Roswell, the UPMC Hillman Center, and others for their care. Memorial contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity or UPMC Hillman Center.

Family will be present Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4-8 at Hoy Funeral Home, and a celebration of life will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10 am at Columns Banquet, Elma. Flowers declined.