Eleanor A. Miller

When Eleanor A. Miller was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 12 years ago, she was told she would live another three years at most. She was determined to “fight as long and as much as she could,” her family reported, and with the help of the local organizations Fighting Chance and Lucia’s Angels, survived to see four grandchildren born. She died on June 15 at Southampton Hospital.

Ms. Miller worked as a paraprofessional at East Hampton High School for more than 20 years before her diagnosis. She was active in the Springs Presbyterrian Church, loved to read, cook, and knit, and adored her grandchildren.

She was born on June 17, 1955, to Stuart B. Vorpahl and the former Helen Bengtson. She grew up in Amagansett, attended local schools, and studied cosmetology through the Eastern Suffolk Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

In addition to her grandchildren, a daughter, Katrina Miller Abran of East Hampton, and a son, Nathaniel Miller of Springs, survive, as do two sisters, Judy Bennett of Amagansett and Vivian Edwards of Florida.

Ms. Miller was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in Amagansett after a service at the Amagansett Presbyterian Church on June 20, the Rev. Nancy Howarth officiating. Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Springs Presbyterian Church, 5 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton 11937.

“She had inspired and given hope to so many local cancer survivors and became known as a true hero,” her family said.