Katherine K. Miller, 85

BRIDGEWATER / NEW YORK CITY — Katherine K. Miller, 85, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at The Birches at Concord after a valiant fight with dementia.  A trailblazer from the very beginning of her life, she was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Albert and Margaret (Dietrich) Klopfer. She was raised in Maryland by her grandfather, graduated from Chevy Chase High School and went on to earn a BS in psychology from UNC and a master's degree from the University of New Hampshire.  

With the luck of being in the right place at the right time, Katherine was present at some of the most monumental historical events. A weekend away in upstate New York, where she witnessed Woodstock, a trip to DC garnered a place in the crowd for Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, in November of 1989, she happened to be in Berlin when the wall came down. No doubt these events as well as others shaped her passion for civil and human rights.  

Prior to retirement, Kate was vice-president of The New Hampshire Family Planning Council, a program that ensured safety for women in need. With the assistance of former Governor Judd Gregg, she established “Ending Hunger Week,” which assists 100,000 people annually. Seeing a need for support of young ladies, she was a founding member and fundraiser for The Circle Program.  

Having the opportunity to split time in New York, she was able to enjoy her love of theater, classical music and opera, and she also collaborated and produced shows, both on and off Broadway. While at home in New Hampshire, she was often found cross-country or water skiing.  

Family members include biological and adopted children: D.D. Caw, Chris Menke, Stephen S. Miller, Andrew Menke and foster son Dung Nguyen as well as grandchildren Thao Lellos, Tuan Ngyuen, Anna Menke and Auden Menke and companion Donald Sorrie. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John V. Miller, Jr., in 1993.  

At Katherine’s request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, a benefit event, supporting Seacoast Outright, a program for queer youth of New Hampshire and The Circle Program will be held in her honor, May 21, 2024. The show, featuring Debby Holiday is a tribute band to the iconic Tina Turner. 

The show is one night only at the Palace Theater in Manchester, tickets on sale starting Nov. 28. Tax deductible donations may be made by visiting: fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/debby-holiday-tina-turner-tribute/general_support

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit EmmonsFuneralHome.com.