Trudy J Miller

Trudy Joyce Miller, beloved wife and mother passed away May 1, 2023, at the age of 83. Trudy was the loving wife of William R. Miller for 62 years, mother, to William J. Miller (Edna), James B. Miller, Brian P. Miller, and Catherine M VanDerHeyden (Paul). Grandmother to William D. Miller, James M. Miller, Bradley W. Miller, Michael A. Miller, Anthony W. VanDerHeyden, Eliza A. VanDerHeyden, Christian P. Miller, and Emma G. VanDerHeyden.

Trudy was as varied and talented as one could be. She was the architect of a wonderful childhood for her family, a perennial room mother, a field trip chaperone, and even an accomplished seamstress (Store-bought Halloween costumes? Never!). She had the ability to plan a vacation on any budget. From camping trips in the rough and tumble area of the Black Hills of South Dakota to the glamorous Polynesian Village of Walt Disney World. Wherever the destination, no detail was forgotten, and fun was had by all.

Trudy spent years as a local correspondent for The Hammond Times , writing about everything from PTA meetings to a whiffle ball league and an overturned truck of sheep, Trudy wrote public interest stories that were sure to bring a smile.

As her children grew, she became an entrepreneur, opening The Emporium , then Second Thoughts , both high-end consignment resale shops for women. Always interested in the latest fashion, Trudy embraced her passion of helping women 'dress well for less' for 25 years. During these years she also published multiple editions of the resale directory, Where to Find Everything for Practically Nothing in Chicagoland: A Bargain Hunters Guide to Resale and Thrift Shops . As the guide gained popularity, Trudy was invited on Oprah Winfrey's local morning TV show, AM Chicago, where she shared her expertise with others. Her passion in the field led her to network with other store owners in the growing field of resale. Soon after, Trudy co-founded the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops . NARTS became active nationwide by 1988, when it held its first Annual Conference, and it is now the world's largest resale trade association.

During retirement, Trudy became an expert genealogist, updating countless pages of Ancestry.com and compiling 10 volumes of family history. This bounty of research will live on to inform generations to come.

Trudy was a lifelong volunteer; she joyfully gave her time, talent, and treasure to many beloved causes. Early in her adulthood, she braved the winters to organize local teens for the March of Dimes. Later she headed the Arts and Environment committee for over 10 years at St. John Church in Glenwood and spearheaded many varied projects in between.

Trudy was an avid gardener; she transformed her yard into a beautiful space. Her use of color and texture, along with her extensive knowledge of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and grasses made Trudy & Bill's back yard an oasis. This talent kindled a shared love and appreciation of gardening in her children.

On their 25th wedding anniversary, Trudy and Bill took their dream trip to the Hawaiian Islands that inspired annual Maui trips on their anniversary. On their 50th anniversary, they renewed their vows surrounded by family. Trudy organized a celebratory trip to Walt Disney World for her children and grandchildren that was amazing.

So many treasured memories are because of the love, creativity, and attention to detail our beloved wife, mother and grandmother bestowed.

Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Sunday, May 7 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Prayers Monday, May 8, at 10:15 am at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home. Funeral Mass 11:00 am at St. Kieran Church, 724 195th St, Chicago Heights. Interment Assumption Cemetery, 19500 S Cottage Grove Ave, Glenwood IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Please use the link below.

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/donate