Donna Joan Miller, 94, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at her home of 70 years. Born on October 17, 1931, in Binghamton, New York, she was the only child of George Parkhurst and Kathryn (Crosby) Parkhurst. She was the supportive wife of the late Alan M. Miller for 54 years

Donna graduated from Binghamton North High School in 1949 and furthered her studies at Syracuse University in upstate New York. While earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Bacteriology, she was a majorette in the marching band. As such, in 1953, she performed in the first televised Orange Bowl halftime show.

Donna met her future husband while employed at Norwich Pharmaceutical in New York. They married, and in 1956 they moved to Frederick to begin biological research work for the U.S. government at Fort Detrick. Donna and Al built a rich and lasting social life with other relocated scientist couples. This included a ladies only bridge playing group of eight that lasted over 35 years, and of which Donna was the last surviving member. Donna continued to work at Fort Detrick until her third child was born. She returned to work in 1971 at the Frederick laboratory of the Maryland State Animal Health Department.

Although she was very happy in this job, she retired at age 62 to enjoy travel, both with her husband and on her own. She studied tax preparation, and enjoyed seasonal work for H and R Block for 20 years to supplement her travel budget. Donna traveled twice to Alaska with Al in their RV, and to most other states and Canada, east and west. She also went to The Bahamas, Germany, Scotland, New Zealand, and Iceland.

Donna lived alone, quite capably and contentedly, for her last 17 years. She often credited being an only child with preparing her for this circumstance. Donna was an avid college sports fan, and retained an astonishing knowledge of the conferences, coaches, and players over the decades. Her memory was remarkable to the end, and she was always the reliable family oral historian.

Donna was a smart, honest and pragmatic woman. A teen during the war years, Donna carried many formative values with her through life. She was humble and hardworking, thrifty and resourceful. She faced challenges with strength, accepted people without judgement, and adjusted to the progression of aging without complaint. Donna was a gifted seamstress with a green thumb. She had loved tent camping, waterskiing, and ice skating. She loved mountain lakes, flowers, and cats. Donna had a heart for animals, and allowed her children all manner of pets. She was an excellent mother and her children are grateful for the practical life lessons she taught them.

Donna is survived by her sons, Scott Alan Miller (Charlotte) of Rustburg, VA and Bruce David Miller of Frederick, her daughter Patricia Elaine Banashak (Duane) of Issaquah, WA, and 5 grandchildren: Kestrel Miller, Gabrielle Miller, Madeline Banashak, Anna Banashak (Derek), and Ryan Banashak (Jessica).

A memorial is being planned for the afternoon of May 9 at Stauffer Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Frederick Hospice and the wonderful caregivers from Assisting Hands for providing outstanding end of life care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Syracuse University Alumni Band Association earmarked for the Janet Kay Smith Twirler Scholarship, or to the Frederick County Humane Society.