It is with a heavy heart to report that Meg Miller, Respite
Center extraordinaire, friend and advocate, passed away this morning, August 9,
2017 at Agrace Hospice. In addition to many
positive aspects that Meg brought to those that met her, she leaves behind the
legacy of The Respite Center program at RISE (formerly Center for
Families). Meg helped to establish The Respite Center program as one
of the community’s most treasured resources to support families
experiencing high levels of stress.
During Meg’s 34-year
career at the Respite Center, she helped countless families with crisis and
emergency care for children, and without judgement, she empowered and advocated
for parents to be the best they can. Anyone that has walked through the
doors of the Respite Center can see the impact of Meg's vision and leadership
to make the Respite Center a safe place for kids.
Below is the obituary she wrote some months ago. It’s funny
and very much in her voice.
--
Meg was born on the 1st or 2nd of November 1951 in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. Meg was fourth and favorite child of Isabel Grimm Miller and Victor Miller both whom preceded her in death, as did brother -in-law Rudy Pineda. She is survived by her siblings, John (Kate Bonafield) Miller, Mary Miller Pineda,Jane Miller and Mark (Joan Ravanelli) Miller. Other people who added joy to her life include many nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, co-workers and friends. She loved them all.
Meg had a lucky life but the luckiest thing about it was her wonderful immediate family – husband, Mike Strader, son, Charlie Strader, and daughter, Maggie Strader. All of who are good people and will continue to live thoughtful and meaningful lives without her. Or else.
For 34 years Meg worked at the Respite Center, a 24-hour crisis childcare and parent support center. She was passionate about her work and grew strength from the incredible bravery, hope, and humor that she witnessed daily. Working at the Respite Center made her a better person and she hoped that any memorials on her behalf be made to the Respite Center, a program of RISE, 2120 Fordem Ave. Madison 53704. (Specify Meg/Respite in comment section for online memorials HERE)
Meg will be buried at the Nature Path Sanctuary on August 19th at 1:00 pm. All are welcome.
A celebration, with some sadness, of Meg’s life, will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 the evening of August 19th at the Goodman Center, 149 Waubesa Street In Madison. All are welcome to share a beverage, a bite to eat and a few good stories. The rumor is Mike’s buying!
