Antoinette A. (Tess) Miller, 88

Antoinette A. (Tess) Miller, 88, a long time resident of Hamden, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at the Apple Rehab, Guilford.

Born on July 11, 1924 to the late John and Anna Balcius (Belcher), she was predeceased by her sister Adele Balcius, her brothers Anthony and Joseph Balcius, her son-in-law Frank Czuchra, her grandson Benjamin Lenihan, and her great grandson Timothy Larchar.

She leaves behind her children, John (Anne) Miller, Leslie Blackwell, Bonnie Czuchra, James (Deborah) Miller, and Laurie (William) Lenihan. She is also proudly survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (and another on the way in April), whom she loved dearly.

Known for her love of nature, she was very artistic, an avid reader, a gentle quiet lady who gracefully weathered life’s many challenges. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by those who knew her.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the nursing and administrative staff at the Apple Rehab Center of Guilford and the CT Hospice (especially Margaret & Sue), for their loving and compassionate care of “Tess”.

Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Joan of Arc Church, West Todd Rd., Hamden, on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. to attend a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

The North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., North Haven, has been entrusted with the arrangements.