MILLER, Leona C.

Leona C. Miller, 75, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, devoted Catholic, entered in God's eternal glory on June 22, 2002. She was born September 12, 1926 and raised in Larchmont, New York. Leona was the third of ten children of Frank and AnnaBelle Gironda. She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis daily since she was 11 years old. She graduated from Mamaroneck High School and summa cum laude from the College of New Rochelle. She was transferred from the corporate office of American Airlines to Phoenix in 1950, due to her arthritis. Confined to a wheelchair for many years she remained cheerful and humorous, active in civic groups, an officer of the High Hopes Swim Club for physically impaired, and re-founded Our Lady's Sodality of Saint Theresa's Catholic Church. She is survived by 4 sisters, 4 brothers, her 3 children, Stephen, Laura and Raymond. She has 6 grandchildren, Shaun, Heidi & Tamara Danielsen, Raymond Jr. deceased), Brendan and Sarah Miller, with 1 great-grandchild Serena Broxon. Vistations and Rosary on Wednesday, June 26, 2002, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix. Funeral service is Thursday, June 27, 2002 at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 5001 E. Thomas Rd, Phoenix. Donations may be sent to the Arthritis Foundation, 1313 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, in her name. Published in The Arizona Republic June 25, 2002.