Obituary of Arlene M. Miller

Arlene M. (Jerolds) Miller Olean, NY Arlene M. (Jerolds) Miller, 98, passed away Tuesday (Feb. 23, 2021) at her home in Olean. Born Jan. 19, 1923, on Hoop Street in Olean, she was the daughter of Mrs. Evelyn M. (Raub) Jerolds. Arlene married Harold “Knuck” Miller on Feb. 11, 1950, at the First Presbyterian Church in Olean and celebrated nearly 71 years of marriage. Arlene grew up skating on the brickyard pond with all the neighborhood residents, including her future husband. She continued ice skating and skiing throughout her life with her family. She loved the outdoors, camping, and going on adventures. She graduated from Olean High School in 1940 where she had been active in numerous sports and several student organizations. She graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College with a bachelor's degree in 1944, and from St. Bonaventure University in 1950 with a master’s degree. The autumn of 1944 saw the beginning of a career encouraging her many students in their formative years. She was known to comment, “I can’t believe they pay me to do what I love!” She taught elementary school at Hinsdale, Limestone, School 2, 7, 10, and 11 in Olean, as well as preschool at the Olean YMCA. She retired in 1980 to be a full-time grandmother, proudly attending all of their many events and supporting the teaching careers of her daughter and grandchildren. She dedicated her life to supporting her family, their interests and endeavors. Ample time was found to engage in many wonderful domestic and international travel adventures, several on behalf of various Olean service organizations. Rotary International conventions and Friendship Exchanges enriched Knuck and Arlene’s lives, as did serving as host parents for Rotary exchange students and the RYLA program at St. Bonaventure University. Arlene’s community service included: Campfire leader, PTA president, youth group leader at local churches; coaching local youth sports; and additional volunteer work. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and a former member of First Presbyterian Church of Olean. Arlene is survived by her son, Dr. Michael (Daena Feldman) Miller of Annapolis, MD; daughter Cathy Zapel of Bradford, PA; 3 grandchildren, Patrick (Olivia) Zapel of Warren, PA; Katie Zapel of Bradford, PA; Dr. John (Laura) Feldman of Jersey City, NJ; and 5 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a grandson Matthew Zapel in 2004, and her husband Harold “Knuck” Miller on February 2, 2021. A private burial will take place at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date but sharing memories in cards addressed to Cathy Zapel (45 Orchard Place, Bradford, PA 16701) would be appreciated. Memorials, if desired, may be made to The Learning Center (90 Jackson Ave, Bradford, PA 16701). Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean, NY. Online condolences may also be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.