Dr. Hannah R. Swartz-Miller

Hannah was a beloved mother of seven, five of whom survive her: Dr. Ira Miller and wife Becky of Carmel, California; Dr. Maximillian Miller and wife Sarah of Hyde Park, New York; John A. Miller of Cologne, Germany; Bradley Miller of Youngstown, Ohio and Flora Miller-Anand of Mumbai, India and Parkton, Maryland. She was preceded by a son, Tobias Miller, whom was the twin brother of Bradley, daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law David, grand son David Jonathan and grand daughter Laura. Hannah was truly one of a kind and a shining light to anyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing her. She was born in Paris, France to the late Dr. Ira Swartz and Hannah Rosenbaum nee Weibe while her father was serving as a special envoy to the United States State Department. The family returned to the United States at the outbreak of World War II. Hannah attended and graduated from Oldfields School in Sparks, Maryland and went on to graduate from Loyola College with a PhD in psychology in 1963. It was that same year, 1963, she married her college sweetheart George Miller. The marriage lasted 12 years through 1975 when the couple divorced. However, they remained close friends and business partners for the remainder of her life. Hannah became a fierce advocate for adoptive rights in 1994. She extensively lectured around the world about the rights of adoptive children, and mothers. She herself had allowed her youngest child Bradley to be adopted by her former husbands second wife which was unknown to her son until 1990. Bradley and Hannah went on to have a wonderful relationship for the next 30 years. Bradley joined his mother in her lectures for 20 years encouraging adopted children to fight for their rights to know their birth parents. In 1996 Bradley, joined by Hannah, fought and won against the Catholic Church to open previously sealed adoptive records. A major victory in the fight for access to adoptive information. Hannah loved life and lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed travel, writing, painting and playing her beloved piano. She returned to Paris in 1987 and split her time between France and Parkton, Maryland. She was a staunch steward of her family home, Castle Calder, in Parkton which she shared with her cousins Eleanor and Marion. After Eleanor and Marion died in the late 1990's she sold the estate and moved close by but never gave up her love of Calder. Hannah passed from this life suddenly on the morning of June 1, 2020 while visiting her son in New York. Her life, though unconventional and unique, ended as she lived it: on her own terms and with grace. Her last words were "I shall take my leave now, I am ready." Hannah had a stroing abiding faith that carried her through many tragedies in her life including the recent loss of her daughter, son-in-law, grand son and grand daughter. Though she may be gone from this mortal coil she will be loved and remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Services and burial will be private at Hannah's request. Shiva will be sat at a later announced date led by her beloved sons. Family and friends are encouraged to come by and celebrate Hannah's extraordinary life.