Barbara (“Bobbie”) Anne Miller died on January 22, 2021, in Concord at the age of 90. Born on May 1, 1930, at Women’s Hospital in New York City to the late Rena (Heyman) and Herbert Strauss, Bobbie and her older sister, Joan, grew up in Kew Gardens and Rockville Centre. Bobbie attended Smith College before transferring to Barnard College from which she graduated in 1952. Bobbie obtained a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University and worked for years as a clinical social worker. However, in her 50’s, Bobbie earned a doctorate in education from UMass and began a second career as an ESL teacher.
In 1961, Bobbie married the late Arthur Zinkin, Jr. with whom she shared a daughter, Anne. The couple moved to Northampton, MA in 1970 and divorced in 1975. In 1977, Bobbie married the late Roger R. Miller, Ph.D, to whom she was married for 40 years.
Known for her beautiful smile, compassionate heart, impeccable manners, contagious laugh, and generous spirit, Bobbie was devoted to her family, friends, and a series of yappy dogs. She hated cooking, but loved baking delicious bread. She enjoyed entertaining, gardening, watching birds and squirrels at her numerous bird feeders, playing tennis and bridge, and attending local theater and classical music concerts. She especially loved to shop and spent approximately 50 years trying to learn how to play the piano.
Bobbie was predeceased by her husband, parents, and sister. She will be deeply missed by her daughter (Anne), stepchildren (Kate, Douglas, Susan, and Dorothy), grandson (Gabe), step-grandchildren (Nathan, Marshall, Janel, Leah, and Azkia), niece (Judy), nephew (David), best friend (Helen), their respective families, and innumerable others.
Donations may be made in Bobbie’s memory to the BAYADA Foundation Hospice Fund, https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1441751.
A virtual memorial service will be held on January 31, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., with shiva to follow.