Remembering Paula: Family Needs Your Help

Paula Francine Miller passed away on 2/22/2025 after a long illness. She was born on 8/20/1952, in Leominster, Massachusetts, to Emily and Francis Miller, both deceased. She was the oldest of 7 children, four of whom predeceased her. She leaves behind her daughter, Jessica Adonteng of Arizona; granddaughter, Tia Conteh of Oklahoma; and granddaughter, Sabrina Adonteng of Arizona. Her brother, Michael Miller, and sister-in-law, Janice Miller, of Massachusetts; brother, Kevin Miller, and sister-in-law, Debra Miller, of New Hampshire. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as many cousins from her Prentiss and Miller sides.

Paula suffered from significant traumas and alcohol/substance abuse on and off for many years. Her struggle was great and kept her from reaching many of her goals in life. Her trauma symptoms impacted her relationships with her daughter, granddaughters, and other family members. She was in and out of mental health and alcohol/substance abuse treatment for decades. However, in the last 20+ years of her life, her symptoms were left mainly untreated, and she struggled to survive daily. Subsequently, she began to have serious medical issues which would eventually play a role in her death.

Prior to her severe symptoms of mental illness, Paula can be remembered as being outspoken, an advocate for those who could not stand up for themselves. She was heavily involved in AA and Al-Anon. She believed in trying to better her life. She was able to help several members of her family find sobriety and help when they needed it. She was able to give her daughter the ability to see that getting help was important and acceptable, which led to her daughter becoming a mental health therapist. The loss of who Paula was has been an ongoing process of grieving for her daughter and granddaughters. Always hoping that maybe one day she would be able to allow herself to recover and heal and become the mother and grandmother they longed for. That day never came. So now they grieve for the lost opportunity and what they had always hoped to receive.

Untreated mental illness and alcohol/substance abuse destroy all relationships, particularly the one you have with yourself. If you need help, please seek it today, do not wait. Every day that healing and recovery is pushed off is another day of loss for yourself and for those who love you. One less day of connection, love, and peace. Hearts hurt, dreams die, and loved ones are left to grieve what could be and/or what could have been.

If you or a loved one needs help, please reach out to [phone redacted], text ‘helpline’ to 62640. In a crisis, you can call or text 988.

Due to her situation, there was no life insurance or financial assistance she could leave for her family to help pay for her cremation (her wishes) and memorial. Her family is raising money to assist in paying for these costs. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Memorial Service TBD.