Jeannine Henriette Anais Miller

Jeannine Henriette Anais Miller passed away peacefully at the Senior Star Independent Living Facility on October 6, 2025, with her loving daughter Alice and son-in-law Henri at her side. Cremation rites have been extended, and no formal services will be held. Memorials may be made to The American Red Cross, the Audubon Society, or the Bettendorf Library.

Born in Paris, France on February 19, 1927, to Paul Henri and Marie Adrienne (Anère) Lalou, Jeannine’s life was a rich tapestry of experiences, marked by resilience and dedication. During World War II, she worked as a bookkeeper for a coal merchant in Versailles, where she met her husband, Sgt. Marion Russell Miller. Their paths crossed on his journey between the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge in 1944-1945 (Purple Heart). She went to England to work as an au pair from 1949 to 1950, improving her English language skills.

In 1952, Jeannine married Marion, and their union was blessed with a daughter, Alice Elizabeth, in 1953. The family later moved to Verdun, where she taught French to GIs and served as the Administrative Secretary for the US Army Education Center at Maginot Military Base. She became a U.S. citizen in 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska, and soon after, became an integral part of the American Red Cross Recreation Center in Verdun. The Millers then relocated to Dover, New Jersey, in 1965 due to her husband’s work at Picatinny Arsenal.

Jeannine’s academic pursuits included completing her B.A. and Teaching Certificate from Montclair State University (NJ) in 1974, where she committed herself to education and sharing her knowledge. Following her husband’s new job transfer to Rock Island Arsenal in 1974, she taught French at St. Ambrose University in Davenport from 1987 to 2000 and was the proud leader of the French Round Table every Friday morning, enriching the lives of many through her passion for language and culture.

In addition to her teaching, Jeannine was recognized as a well-respected volunteer and docent at the Putnam and Figge Museums, leaving a lasting impact on the local community. Her kindness and generosity touched many lives, as did her great sense of humor. An avid painter and supporter of the arts, she also indulged in her love for nature through birdwatching, where she enjoyed spending weekends with her family and the Audubon Society. Furthermore, Jeannine had a cherished hobby of learning and teaching Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

Jeannine's life was filled with joy, particularly during her frequent visits to France to be with her beloved daughter Alice, son-in-law Henri, and granddaughters Delphine and Lucie. Beyond her cherished family time, Jeannine was known for her captivating storytelling and her active participation in various book clubs. Her passion for literacy extended to her volunteer work at the Bettendorf library, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning. Jeannine leaves behind a legacy of warmth, friendship, and wisdom, having cultivated meaningful relationships throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Alice (Henri) Dupas of Bures-sur-Yvette, France; granddaughters, Delphine (Nicolas) Dupas-Peyroux of Maisons-Laffitte, France, and Lucie (Pierre-Louis) Dupas-Guirriec of Maisons-Alfort, France; great-grandchildren, Cléa and Amy Peyroux, and Paul and Joséphine Guirriec; brother-in-law, Joe Turk of San Jose, CA; nieces, Elisabeth Lalou of Paris, France, Leslie McCann of Orangevale, CA, and Sylvie Coster of Mesa, AZ; nephew Bruce Turk of San Jose, CA; and many other nieces and nephews on the Miller side.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Russell Miller; parents, Paul Henri and Marie Adrienne (Anère) Lalou; brother, René Jean Lalou; sister-in-law, Ellen Lalou; sister, Andrée Denise Turk; and nephew, Tom Turk.

Thank you to all her friends here in the States and to the Senior Star staff and residents for the love and care they have provided Jeannine in her twelve years of living here.