A memorial service for Shelley J. Burger Miller was held Wednesday evening in the Gloria Dei Chapel in Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
Miller was associate director of Marketing at Capital University. She died on Sunday, Oct. 17, when a tree branch fell and struck her at Mohican State Park. She was 57.
Pastor Drew Tucker spoke throughout the memorial service and a choir performed two musical pieces.
Miller began working at the University in 2010 in the field of public relations. She actually earned her MBA at Capital while undergoing chemotherapy treatments, which is a testament to the strength she carried with her.
Capital University President Dave Kaufman talked about Miller’s legacy in an email sent out to the campus. He said, “Shelley made the most of every moment and did so with enthusiasm, determination, hope, and joy. She never met a stranger. Her publication designs for our marketing efforts always showcased her creativity and excitement for telling the Capital story.”
Outside of her passions for marketing and communications, Miller loved to ride her bike and go on hikes. After battling colon cancer for the past five years, Miller participated in Pelotonia twice.
Denise Russell, director of communications, was a coworker and close friend with Miller; their offices are next door to each other in the Convergent Media Center.
During her speech, Russell said, “She became an advocate for others with cancer, raising money for Pelotonia and riding her bike farther than anyone ever thought she could, anybody except her.”
An obituary published by the Newark Advocate can be found here.