Racine- Olive Phyllis (nee: Boulais) Miller, 77, passed away with her daughter at her side, on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Kenosha. Olive was born on February 4, 1932 in Putnam, CT to Raymond and Lillian (nee: Riendeau) Boulais. She was a 1948 graduate of Griswold High School, Jewett City, CT. She was united in marriage to Gerard A. O’Connor on October 28, 1950. Following their marriage they lived in Manchester, CT. In 1961 they moved to Casselberry, Florida. Gerard passed away unexpectedly in 1966. Olive then began a career as a bookkeeper for various firms until retiring in 1985. In 1970, Olive married Raul L. Reyes who passed away in 1976 after a battle with cancer. She met her present husband, Lawrence J. Miller, while volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 10050 in Longwood, Florida. She remained active in the VFW for many years, holding the position of treasurer. In 1985 she moved to Tampa, FL, residing there until November 2008 when she moved to Racine after suffering a stroke. While in Tampa, Olive returned to the workforce, working at Wal-Mart for 5 years. She always said it was her favorite job. Olive enjoyed gardening and knitting. She was a passionate lover of animals, and rescued hundreds of stray cats over the years. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed traveling to spend time with them. She was also a diehard Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and was proud to have personally met Coach Tony Dungy and player Keyshawn Johnson. Olive is survived by her husband, Larry; her son, Dr. Gerard (Janet) O’Connor, Gainesville, FL; daughter, Leanne O’Connor (Joseph) Small, Racine; granddaughter, Lauren Small, Racine; grandson, Michael (Jennifer) Small, La Crescent, MN; great-granddaughter, Alyson Catherine Small, La Crescent, MN; step-sons, James Miller, Atlanta, GA; and Jack Miller, Sanford, FL; step-grandchildren, Natalie, Jimmy, and Jennifer; half-brother, Peter Boulais, Pebble Beach, CA. Olive was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Boulais and Lillian Wilson, and husbands, Gerard O’Connor and Raul Reyes. In accordance with Olive’s wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Sunday October 25, 2009 at 2:30 pm with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 1:00 until 2:30. Interment will take place at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park, FL at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Golden Living Center in Kenosha, with special thanks to nurse Kim whose love and attention towards Olive was sincerely appreciated by her family.
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