Adra L. Miller

DANVERS - Adra Luella Miller, 102, of Danvers, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 26th, 2026 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

Adra was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the late Carl Vernon and Ester (Carrington) Miller. She was lovingly raised by her great-aunt and namesake, Adra L. Day.

Adra was predeceased by her devoted friend and companion, Colleen Gibson. The two enjoyed 50 years of working, traveling, and enjoying their lovely home in Topsfield together. Adra was also predeceased by Ruth Barnard, with whom she shared her life in Topsfield until Ruth’s passing in 1975.

Adra “wore many hats” in her lifetime. She was an entrepreneur. She opened “Adra’s Baby Gift Shop” on Humphrey Street in Marblehead in 1948. She worked in the Jordan Marsh offices in Boston. Adra and Colleen established a grocery, deli, and wine shop in Christmas Cove, Maine, which they operated from 1979 to 1981. For many years, Adra worked as a machinist at Burr Industries in Danvers. But her love for working with children led her to a role in the kitchen at Topsfield’s Proctor School, a position she held until she was 82.

Beyond her love of travel—which included numerous trips to Europe—Adra was an accomplished golfer at Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead. Many believed she possessed the talent to play professionally. She played in Scotland and Ireland during her European travels. A true athlete, Adra once considered a career as a Physical Education Teacher. She also delighted in lively games of cribbage with her friends, often accompanied by perfectly crafted adult beverages.

Adra and Colleen were deeply loved and supported by the Trinity Episcopal Church community in Topsfield. Adra’s wish was to attend church again. Her wish was granted, and Adra was able to attend church on Palm Sunday through the help and generosity of Reverend Jen Vath.

Adra, lovingly called “Auntie” by many, leaves behind a community of family and friends, including her niece, Anna Cain, of California, and her neighborhood family from Arrowhead Road.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her great-aunt Adra Day; her long-time companions Colleen Gibson and Ruth Barnard; her brothers Arthur and Carl Miller; her sisters Rita and Vivian; and her dear dog, Minnie. 

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to Adra’s Funeral Service which will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 River Road, Topsfield, MA on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at 1 PM. The Graveside Service will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, 8 Haverhill Road, Topsfield, MA. Donations in her memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, Topsfield at www.trinitytopsfield.org and Care Dimensions at www.caredimensions.org. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.