Kathy Miller, was born to Chester William Lauesen and Leone Isabelle Mowbray on May 29, 1947 in Aurora, Illinois. She was the youngest of 5 girls - Gretchen, Brenda, Patricia, Susan and Kathy. At an early age, Kathy learned that comedy and laughter was the best way to deal with life's challenges and stressors. Her family moved to Montebello, California in 1948. She graduated from Montebello High School in 1965. After High School, Kathy pursued an English degree from Long Beach State University and later completed a Master's Degree in Administration at National University.
While in College, Kathy met the love of her life and married Wayne Miller who had three beautiful girls Lisa, Katie and Carrie. A few years later, Kathy gave birth to their son Brandon. A year after that, their youngest daughter Jennifer was born. Kathy raised all their children in a fun and loving home.
The Miller Family moved to Fallbrook, California in 1976 where they opened up and ran a preschool named, 'A Creative Beginning' until 1984. She had taught in the Fallbrook Elementary School District from 1984 until she retired in 2009.
She started out teaching at LaPaloma. She then moved to Potter Jr High in 1987, where she taught Life Decisions for many years. She was the perfect teacher for this class, as she had a way of making light of some really tough life topics. One of Kathy’s most notable accomplishments at Potter was her Drama program. She showcased plays like Miracle on 34th Street, Annie and The Wizard of Oz. Kathy’s creative nature erected sets that were Broadway-like. She enjoyed providing this program to all of her talented students. One particular talented student who was most dear to her heart, was her daughter Jennifer. Her son Brandon and husband Wayne would help with the sets. She dedicated many hours to Potter’s best Drama program that people still talk about today.
After retirement, Kathy really enjoyed working in her garden. She could spend hours planting, replanting and esthetically redesigning her yard. Her home exterior was always decorated with the most beautiful flowers. One of her favorite places in town to buy plants and yard decorations was Myrtle Creek. Her creativity and artistic nature was evident in all her projects. Kathy also enjoyed painting and intricately embellished diamond wall art for her loved ones.
Aside from her projects, Kathy was involved in various activities in her community. She graciously volunteered her time at the Angel Shop, she taught an English class to Marines at Camp Pendleton and volunteered some time with her Church. For fun, she would meet with a group to play cards and games.
Another fact to note about Kathy’s life, is her love for dogs. I don’t believe there has been a time, at least in her adult life, that she did not own a dog. From Earl, D-O-G (pronounced Dee-oh-Jhee with a French accent), Serena, Marilyn (as in Monroe), Phoebe, Lucy (I Love Lucy) and Benji. She loved cuddling and going for walks or driving the golf cart with her dogs.
Kathy spent much of her time at the Fallbrook Skilled Nursing Facility to make sure her husband Wayne felt loved and was well cared for. Her love and devotion to him was immense. They were married for 52 years. She visited the facility daily until Covid restrictions kept her from seeing him. Wayne passed away in 2020 with his love Kathy, by his side.
Family was very important to Kathy. She had a way of nurturing without being overbearing. She had an infectious smile that could brighten even the darkest days. She always knew what to say and when to crack the funniest jokes. She encouraged cohesiveness and held everyone together. She will be sorely missed. She is survived by her children Brandon (Anna) Miller of Fallbrook, CA, Jennifer (James) Moore of Chico, CA, Lisa (Steve) Gannon of Corona, CA, Katie (Bobby) Rivera of Orange, CA and Carrie (Denis) Seger of Lincoln City, OR. She has 12 grandchildren Brittany (Brendan), Zach, Austin, Lennon, Remington, Courtney (Craig), Jack (Amanda), Grant (Rondee), Evan, Emily (Dutch), Drew (Liz) and Erin. She has 6 great grandchildren London, Amora, Maverick, John, Ace and Max. Four sisters Gretchen, Brenda (Harlan), Patricia, Susan and many nieces and nephews. She will be ‘Forever Missed.’
