Helen A. Miller

Helen Alexis Miller (nee Gavula), affectionately known as “Cookie” by those who knew her best, passed away peacefully at her home in West Chester, Pennsylvania on March 26th, 2024 at the age of 78. She was in the company of her beloved daughters and grandchildren when her courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis came to an end.

Helen was born on July 27th, 1945 in Philadelphia. She was also a longtime resident of Folcroft, Pennsylvania before eventually moving to Chester County. Helen was the youngest of four and is survived by her two older brothers, Donald “Moe” Gavula, and William “Billy” Gavula. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Jane Piatek. She is the widow of James “Jimmy” Miller.

She was a hard worker, and most of her working life was spent in bookkeeping in the supermarket industry, most recently at ShopRite until the time of her retirement. After her official retirement, she continued to work part-time at Norman’s Hallmark in the Exton Square Mall. She appreciated the company of her coworkers and loved chatting with customers.

Some of her favorite pastimes were shopping and lunching weekly with her sister, Jane, driving to Lancaster to spend days visiting the quaint shops with her daughters, doing sudoku and jigsaw puzzles, and taking in the beautiful floral landscape at Longwood Gardens. But most of all, she was happiest spending time with family.

Helen had a particular fondness for dark chocolate anything (especially Dove bars), sticky buns with raisins (no nuts), her morning cup of coffee, turning up the volume to jam to a good song on the radio in her car, and all things Snoopy and Peanuts—you could always count on receiving a card from her that was Peanuts themed on your birthday or holidays. She had a lifelong interest in American history, and was always excited to share a historical fact or story she read or watched a movie about. Helen loved being in nature, and taking in the sights of the nearby woods and creeks, especially in the fall. She will be remembered for so many things, including her tight hugs, vibrant attitude, classic Helen catchphrases, dancing along to her favorite songs, and for her unconditional love and support of the people in her life.

She is survived by daughters, Christine Miller-Courser (Jerry) of Milton, Florida and Kimberly Bocelli (Michael) of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, grandchildren, Alexis and Mikey, and the newest addition to the family, her grand-dog, Bodey “Little Dude.”

We are grateful for the example of her quiet strength, her impeccable work ethic, her integrity, and most importantly, her fierce and abundant love for us all.

Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. For those that would like a remembrance card in Helen's honor, please contact the family.