Katheryn was a member of Central Unitarian Church with her husband, Valentine, and their 4 sons. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1946 with a major in child psychology. When her children were in school in Glen Rock, Katheryn began teaching in the elementary grades of the Ridgewood school system where she taught for the next twenty years. A dedicated mother and professional educator, Katheryn retained a consuming interest in contemporary political and social problems. She was a long-time active member of the League of Women Voters and the Ridgewood Education Associations.  Her tenure as Membership Chairperson of the League during the early 1960’s witnessed a doubling of the Glen Rock chapter's membership. At the intersection of her professional and personal lives there operated a deep and unifying belief in the dignity and potential of women in modern society. Her belief was strengthened over the years by her contacts with fellow professionals, other working mothers, members of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, and parents that she met as an educator. This belief was mirrored in her own life and values, and was reflected in her deep commitment to women's rights, a cause to which she devoted great attention during her lifetime.

A congregation member who knew Katheryn well said of her:  "Wife, mother, professional educator, social activist, Kaye was courageous, held strong opinions, remained unafraid in voicing her opinions, yet retained until the end, the uncanny knack for conversation with peoples of any and all walks of life, of any and every shade of political opinion."

History of the Award

In 1986, Katheryn passed away.  To honor her legacy, the Miller family and John Young, CUC’s minister at that time, created an award in Katheryn's memory. 

The monetary award is administered through the Endowment Trust Fund of Central Unitarian Church and the selection process is overseen by the CUC Katheryn Miller Award Committee and the Miller family. The award is given to an outstanding woman with a record of significant volunteer contributions in support of women’s and family issues in Bergen County.  Click on the link to the right to view a list of past recipients.