Loving wife and mother, community volunteer

Amy Gusman Miller of Manhattan Beach, a former resident of Claremont, died on November 27, 2013 after a brave fight with cancer. She was surrounded by her devoted husband, Richard Miller, and two daughters, Erica, 18, and Jessica, 15, at the time of her passing.

Mrs. Miller was born on April 22, 1960 in Washington, DC. She moved to Claremont in 1965, where she attended Mountain View, Condit and Danbury elementary schools as well as El Roble Intermediate and Claremont High School. She developed friendships during those early years that would last throughout the remainder of her life.

After graduating from Claremont High School in 1978, she attended UCLA, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. Following her graduation in 1982, she entered the world of advertising where she became the vice president of marketing for Mattel. She met her husband Rich after he saw a friend’s photo that included Amy, and asked to be introduced to her. They were married February 16, 1992. She eventually “retired” from the business sector to become a full-time mom to their young daughters.  

Mrs. Miller is best known for her exceptional intelligence, keen sense of humor and bright smile. She was loved by all who knew her. One family member said that she was “always the most beautiful girl in the room.” She was an active volunteer at her daughters’ schools and with various charitable organizations. She enjoyed art, reading and traveling. Favorite destinations include Sun River, Oregon, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Paris, London, New York and most recently Barcelona.  

She is survived by her loving family, including her husband Rich Miller and daughters Erica and Jessica Miller; parents Bob and Harriet Gusman; father-in-law and mother-in-law Larry and Iris Miller; sisters Julie Gusman and Jennifer Gusman Norin (Steve Norin); brothers-in-law Brad Miller (Susheela Miller) and Skip Miller (Susie Rankin Miller); and nieces and nephews Jeffrey and Mollie Norin, Tara and Josh Miller, Jake and Samantha Miller and Claire Gusman.   

A memorial service is planned for December 15, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Manhattan Beach Marriott, 1400 Parkview Ave. in Manhattan Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Amy’s memory can be made to Simms/Mann Center (www.Simmsmanncenter.ucla.edu.)