With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dawn-Lee Miller, age 78, of North Attleboro, MA, who left us on December 16, 2025 after a brave battle with dementia. She was born in Milford, MA on June 25, 1947, to the late Helen Y. (nee Schiller) Tariela and late George E Fitzgerald.
Dawn married Clarence (Bud) Miller Jr, on February 10, 1968. They enjoyed a loving and supportive marriage for fifty-seven years.
Dawn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She deeply loved, and was extremely proud of her children Kathleen and Scott, and her grandchildren, Colleen and Shea. She found great happiness in the company of loved ones. The simple things in life gave her the most pleasure.
Early in her working life she worked at Hasbro Toy Company as an inspector. Dawn also worked for Raytheon in Dighton, MA as an electronics assembler and later for Motorola in Mansfield, MA, working on modem technology.
Dawn's favorite hobby was gardening. She created many beautiful garden areas at her home. It was said that she could throw seeds on concrete and get them to grow. She loved music and was an accomplished singer, having been selected for All-State Choir in high school, and she was the lead singer in a band that specialized in weddings and other functions. She loved nature, especially birds and animals of all kinds.
Dawn was preceded in death by; her mother Helen Y. Tariela, her father; George E. Fitzgerald, and her brother; Timothy E. Fitzgerald.
Dawn is survived by her husband; Clarence (Bud) Miller of North Attleboro, MA, her daughter; Kathleen O Brien of Attleboro, MA, her son; Scott Miller of Providence, RI, her Granddaughter; Colleen O Brien of Attleboro, MA, her Grandson; Shea O Brien of Attleboro, MA, her sister-in-law; Patricia Bonneau and her husband Mark of South Attleboro, MA, her brother; Peter Tariela and his wife Debbie of Pascoag, RI, her sister; Marianne Beaulieu of Woonsocket, RI, her brother; Michael Tariela and his wife Christine of Ashford, CT, her sister; Kathy Ann Smith and her partner Michael Dominick of Harrisville, RI, her sister; Joanne Hamel and her husband Gerald of Blackstone, MA, her sister-in-law; Patricia Fitzgerald of North Smithfield, RI and many nieces and nephews.
Please make donations to dementia-related associations in lieu of flowers.
Interment and a celebration of her life will be held at a date in the future.
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Remember Me
For Dawn, the love of my life
By Bud Miller
My body has been returned to the earth;
My time here, fleeting, from the moment of birth.
But I’m still here, if you’ll remember me;
I’ll come to you in gentle reveries.
Remember me when you plant spring flowers;
We’ll plant together in those peaceful hours.
Remember me when a bird sings its melody;
Its song will soothe you, as it always did me.
Remember me at family get-togethers;
Often said, and true — “family is forever.”
Remember me when you hear a favorite song;
I’ll be there beside you, singing along.
Remember me with each season anew;
Use well the precious time given you.
Remember me… and there’ll be no farewell; There will never be a tolling of the bells.