Anja O. Miller

Anja O. Miller, 77, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away in her home on March 11, 2021.
Anja was born on January 22, 1944 in Helsinki, Finland, the only child of the late Kustaa and Elsa (nee Annala) Kaartinen. Anja’s father passed away of leukemia at a young age. After completing her primary schooling Anja moved to Germany, where she eventually met her husband, Bob Miller (a native of Kewaskum), while he was in Service with the US Army. They married on June 26, 1969 in Munich, Germany. The union was blessed with a daughter, Elina (Weston Spriggs), who helped provide care and comfort to Anja in her last days.
Anja traveled extensively for work and pleasure during her lifetime. She worked in International Sales, where she enjoyed exercising the several languages she acquired. She lived for many years in Wisconsin (Hartford, Waukesha, Ferryville) before moving to Colorado during retirement.
Anja was proud to be 100% Finnish (according to Ancestry.com). That showed from her sassy, tenacious temperament (“sisu” – look it up) to the accent she carried with her to her final days. She had a deep love of animals (especially dogs) that she passed on to Elina. She was a renowned cook who enjoyed sharing the fruits of her considerable talent with relatives, neighbors and friends. She is remembered by many for her kindness and generosity.
Anja was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2013. She endured several treatments and clinical trials including a successful CAR-T trial before developing leukemia. Her frail body just could not handle that final blow.
Per Anja’s wishes there will be no funeral services. The family intends to have an informal memorial gathering for Anja in Wisconsin during summer of 2021. Donations to a local animal shelter or to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org) in Anja’s honor would be appreciated by the family.