Mary 'Polly' Miller

NORTH CANAAN — Mary “Polly� Miller, 96, of Geer Village, died peacefully in her sleep July 26, 2010.

She was born in New York City Feb. 26, 1914, the eldest daughter of Norman Thomas (six-time Socialist candidate for president). She was the widow of Herbert C. Miller, M.D., professor emeritus of pediatrics at the University of Kansas.  

Polly was a teacher of  children with dyslexia for more than 25 years at The Barstow School in Kansas City, Mo.,  and established a branch of the Orton Society in that area.  

Upon retirement, she and her husband built a home on the Miller family farm in Northford, Conn. For many years, she recorded books for the Blind and Dyslexic in New Haven.  

She moved into Geer Village upon its opening and made it her home and the residents and staff there her family.

She loved the sea, sailing, gardening, tennis and enhancing the lives of her family and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Frances Gates; her children, Thomas Miller, Patricia Libbey and Frances Borden; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.  

In lieu of flowers, memorialcontributions may be sent to The Kildonan School in  Amenia.

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