It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Esther A. Miller of Rochester, NY — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of her story.
Memory has a way of softening time.
Esther Miller passed away peacefully at the Jewish Home on April 29, one day shy of her 93rd birthday.
She is predeceased by her husband, Jerome (Jerry) Miller, her parents Aaron Zelig and Aurelia David; her sisters, Catherine (Rosenfeld) and Margaret (Miller). She is survived by her daughters, Susan (Alan) Roth, Linda Miller (Stuart Ervin); grandchildren Robert (Lauren) Shaftel, Rachel Falk, Jenna (Zach) Goldberg, Seri Roth (Puja Howe), Rosalie Miller; great grandchildren, Jacob, Dylan, Evan, Evy.
Esther was born in Bangor, Maine and grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania the youngest of three daughters to Aaron Zelig and Goldie David, both immigrants from Eastern Europe. Her father, the "Reverend A. Z." was a cantor, shochet (kosher slaughterer), and mohel (one who performs ritual circumcision)), serving the greater Wilkes – Barre Scranton area for 40 years. Being raised in an orthodox household was formative for Esther who maintained a lifelong commitment to orthodox observance, Israel, and was particularly devoted to Hebrew education. Both her daughters are Hillel School graduates.
Esther was active in Hillel School's early days as both an advocate and fundraiser. She was also an active volunteer in Beth Sholom sisterhood. Through the local Chabad she was one of a small dedicated group – the "flower women" who for many years delivered flowers to hospitalized Jewish patients on the eve of the Sabbath. She received multiple honors over the years for her volunteering efforts.
Esther had a great appreciation for the theater and music. She was a generous supporter to many organizations in addition to Jewish causes, including Geva Theater, the Seneca Park Zoo, Lollypop Farm, and Golisano Children's Fund.
Esther's circle of friends was large and included people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths. Whether it was her "farm friends" from Spencerport and Churchville, or many neighbors befriended over 60 years in Brighton Twelve Corners, synagogue friends, Yiddish class friends, or many others met along the way, all were welcomed into her home for a delicious dinner, game of cards, a joke, or good story. She was known for her humor, warm smile, and friendliness to all she met. She will be missed by many.
Funeral Services will take place on THURSDAY April 30, 2026 at 1 PM in The Chapel at Brighton Memorial Chapel [ 3325 Winton Road South ]. CLICK HERE for a map the funeral home.
A procession will follow to Mount Hope Cemetery.
Donations in Esther's memory may be made to Chabad of Rochester or the Golisano Children's Hospital.
The family will sit Shiva at 22 Glen Ellyn Way in Brighton on Thursday (4/30) from 5 – 7 PM, Friday (5/1) from 11 AM – 1 PM and Sunday (5/3), Monday (5/4) and Tuesday (5/5) from 11 AM – 1 PM and 5 – 7 PM.
Brighton Memorial Chapel 3325 Winton Road So. Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 427-8520
As a member of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America, we are committed to preserving the high standards of professionalism and service demanded by the Jewish tradition.
