In loving memory of Marla Ann Miller (nee Mitchell), who passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with her husband Norman and her children Joanna and Andrew at her side.

Beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Marla will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A kind, caring and warm person, Marla had many lifelong friends and was a fixture in the Don Mills community. She was an instant hit with her grandchildren Nora, Ruth and Hannah, and in the last few years Marla could almost always be found on the floor among piles of toys and books with at least one little one in tow.

From her early days growing up in Edmonton, Marla had strong bonds with both her brothers Fred and Peter, especially after losing their parents David and Grace early on in their lives. She met Norman in high school and the two were married before moving to Toronto where they continued to make more than 50 years of happy memories together.

Marla was a standout student from an early age and an avid reader her entire life. Her natural curiosity and intellect led her to a rewarding career first as reference librarian then chief librarian at the University of Toronto Scarborough. While working for the university she championed the planning and building of the school’s first-ever daycare, N’sheemaehn which continues to help young children grow and learn to this day.  

Throughout her life Marla always made time to care for those who needed it, whether it was walking the various spaniels she had over the years, keeping a jar full of her famous chocolate chip cookies for her family and friends, or tending to the plants, birds and squirrels in her always-impressive backyard garden. Her generosity, sense of humour and wisdom will be remembered fondly by all those who were lucky enough to know her.

Music always held a special place in Marla’s heart. From singing next to her mother at the piano as a child, to playing flute in the high school band where she met Norman, to singing in so many choirs over the years that brought her so much joy. In that spirit, a celebration of life concert will be held in honour of Marla at the Donway Covenant United Church on October 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital or the Canadian Cancer Society are welcome.