Sister Patricia Miller, a member of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, passed away at the age of 91 at the Senior Star Memory Care Center in Davenport, Iowa. Born on August 29, 1931, in Albion, Nebraska, she dedicated her life to nursing, education, and advocating for healthcare reform.
Sister Patricia, also known as Sister Pat, entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in 1955 and professed her vows in 1958. She obtained her RN from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1952, followed by a BSN from Creighton University in 1954. She continued her studies and earned an MSN from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., in 1964 and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Iowa in 1974.
Throughout her career, Sister Patricia served in various teaching and leadership roles. She began as an instructor at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha from 1953 to 1955 and continued at St. Joseph Hospital in Ottumwa, Iowa, after joining the Congregation. In 1970, she served in the nursing department of Marycrest College in Davenport. She then embarked on a 23-year tenure at the University of Nebraska College of Nursing in Omaha, where she held positions such as Professor of Nursing, Chair of the Graduate Program in Nursing, and the Florence Niedfelt Professorship, an Endowed Research Chair. Following that, she served as Professor and Chair of the Nursing Department at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City from 1989 to 1997.
After her mother’s passing, Sister Patricia moved to Davenport, where she became a volunteer hospice and homebound caregiver for Our Lady of Victory Parish from 2000 to 2004. She actively participated in her religious community, assuming various committee roles and serving as Vice President of the Congregation from 2004 to 2008. During this time, she also chaired the board of Humility of Mary Housing in Davenport.
Beyond her academic achievements and community involvement, Sister Patricia made significant contributions to the nursing profession. She conducted extensive research projects, presented at academic and research conferences, and led workshops. She advised over 60 graduate and doctoral students and wrote numerous publications in medical and education journals. Her expertise and dedication earned her numerous awards and honors.
Even in retirement, Sister Patricia continued to advocate for healthcare reform. As a member of Progressive Action for the Common Good, she highlighted deficiencies in the American healthcare system and supported the 2012 Nuns on the Bus tour. In 2014, she led a Congregation of the Humility of Mary initiative to provide clean water to rural communities in Tanzania. She firmly believed that access to adequate healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals and actively worked towards fulfilling this commitment.
Sister Patricia Miller is survived by her brother, Donald (Bud) Miller, and nephews Patrick, David, and Don Miller. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence in nursing, education, and advocacy for healthcare reform. Memorials may be made to the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.
The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on July 8 at Humility of Mary Center in Davenport. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held on July 7 at Humility of Mary Center, where a rosary will be recited followed by a Vigil Service. Sister Patricia will be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. The Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
