Florence Mary Miller

Florence Mary Miller passed away peacefully at the age of ninety two on February 16, 2026, surrounded by family members who loved her deeply. She is reunited in heaven with her husband, Joseph Charles Miller, who preceded her in death some forty-two years. She is also preceded in death by her eldest son, James. She is survived by her remaining five children, Kathleen, Paul (Rebecca), Robert (Marie), Patricia, and Amy. She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren, Lauren (Jeremy Seely), Christopher, Alissa (Julian), Caylen (Steven), Curtis, Joseph (Lauren), Emily, Hunter, Carlyn, Joshua, Caleb, and Austin; and three great-grandchildren, Vivienne, Lou, and Carter. Florence was born in a small farmhouse in Kenan, Wisconsin in 1933 to Archie and Viola (Gillett) Mabie. She was second oldest of five sisters and is preceded in death by Evelyn (John Wojtowicz) and Hilda (Donald Petersen); and survived by Lillian (Joseph Rodano) and Joyce Ann (Bonnie Reed). At the age of 8, Florence moved with her family to South St. Paul where they first lived in a 20’ x 20’, 2-bedroom home! She spent her formative years in that small house and eventually moved “up the hill” to the big brick house on 9th Avenue. That is the home Florence’s children remember as her “childhood home” when visiting Minnesota every summer. Florence had an extreme sense of adventure. Even at an early age she was fearless. At the age of 18, she was on a bus trip with a friend from Minnesota to California and was somehow left behind on a stop in the middle of Idaho. No worries, she hitched a ride with two strange women at the depot and caught up to the bus at their next stop! She spent her early adult life with her husband dragging 6 kids across the country to Minnesota every summer which led to many crazy escapades. Even into her 70’s and 80’s she was still on the go, travelling constantly, chasing excitement. Whether it was traveling to Europe, jet skiing in the ocean, chasing volcanoes in Hawaii, or taking helicopter rides up to walk on the high glaciers in Alaska, she was always up for a challenge. Florence had several jobs along the way to help fund these adventures. Prior to marrying Joseph, she moved to Indianapolis to work for the Veterans Administration. She moved back to St. Paul where she met, fell in love with, and married Joseph in 1956. Raising six children became her next job; and what a job it was! Later in life, she worked at the Little Deli in Springfield, Virginia where she progressed from cashier to Assistant Manager. Then she became the “hostess with the mostess” working at Metro Research as a receptionist and office manager. However, her most notorious profession was her “law enforcement” career. “Detective Flo,” as she was affectionately known in the Franconia area, had an uncanny ability to sniff out any shenanigans committed by her children (especially the boys!) or their friends. She would take swift and decisive action to put an end to the nonsense and restore order. Her escapades in, sometimes literally, tackling problems in the neighborhood are legendary. Florence had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, was a bit of a smart alec, and had a heart of gold. To know her was to love her, and no one that ever met her didn’t like her. She never met a stranger. She enjoyed her book club and attended plays at The Little Theater of Alexandria with a group of ladies. She would drop everything to help anyone. She was extremely active in her Church, especially counting the collection on Sundays. She volunteered her time to Meals on Wheels, Christ House, and Koinonia. She will always be remembered for her kind words and warm smile. A viewing will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on March 5 at Jefferson Funeral Chapel in Alexandria, Virginia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on March 6 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, also in Alexandria. Immediately following the Mass, a graveside service and burial will take place at Quantico National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. A reception will follow at Tun Tavern, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, Virginia 22172. Contributions in Florence's memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Capital Caring Hospice.

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Florence Mary Miller

May 16, 1933 - February 16, 2026