Dorothyann Miller

Dorothyann Miller, Dottie or Cookie, as she was called by her family because of her love of chocolate chip cookies, was a sweet, loving and generous wife, mother, and friend to all she knew. She had positive regard and consideration for everyone, especially those in need.

She passed on July 8, 2024, after a year-long courageous battle against cancer, during which she always replied she was "fine," despite her discomfort and tiredness.

Cookie was the only child of the late Josephine (Seckler) and James Atkinson. She spent her entire life in the Berkshires, making yearly pilgrimages to Disney in Florida. She graduated in 1965 from Joseph High School and received her bachelor's and master's degrees from North Adams State College, now MCLA, and later earned a CAGS from American International College.

Her passing leaves a big emptiness in the heart of her husband, Steven-Frederick, whom she married 34 years ago, her daughter Josie, her many cousins, and in the hearts and thoughts of her many retired colleagues from Pittsfield Public Schools, where she taught kindergarten for 40 years.

After her retirement, Cookie worked as a cashier at Price Chopper for several years. She also volunteered for over 15 years at the St. Joseph food pantry.

Dottie was ever the optimist, encouraging friends and family to reach for the sky and to be all they could. "You can do it," was her battle cry. In her life, she collected over a thousand Beanie Babies, knew them all by name, and had almost as many pocketbooks!

She will be missed by her many cousins and friends who never let her want in her hours of need. The family is grateful for the care provided by Dr. Mullally and the staff at the Phelps Cancer Center, Berkshire Medical Center and Bay State Medical Center.

SERVICES: Friends are invited to join with the family for visitation on Wednesday, July 17th from 4-7PM at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home. The funeral and celebration of Dottie's life will continue the next morning beginning at the funeral home at 8AM followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church beginning at 9AM led by Rev. Msgr. Michael Shershanovich. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to "St. Jude Children's Hospital" and mailed to the funeral home at 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201.