Obituary of Catharine Whitaker Gates Miller

NIANTIC, CONN Catharine Whitaker Gates Miller of East Haddam, Connecticut passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 5, 2022, at the age of 93. She was born August 20, 1928 in Norwalk, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Marjory Coley Gates and Rev. Edmund Jayne Gates. She graduated from the Cathedral School of St. Mary, Garden City, New York, and received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. Catharine was a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Connecticut, the Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Huntington Family Association. She was also a member of the Kenilworth Kennel Club of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Yankee Dachshund Club. She got great enjoyment out of breeding, raising and showing miniature dachshunds with one of her dogs earning the title of AKC champion. She was formerly a member of the Junior League of Greater Bridgeport. She was also a literacy volunteer for many years. Catharine is survived by a son, James Miller of Groton CT, and three daughters, Anne Dente of East Haddam CT, Connie Fricker of Bel Air MD and Judith Abare of Strafford NH, seven grandchildren, Andrew and Paul Abare, Richard and Daniel Fricker, Elizabeth Palmer, and Stephen and Sarah Dente, and one great grandchild, Arthur Palmer. She is also survived by one brother, Roger Gates of Clinton NY. She was predeceased by three brothers, Edmund Gates, Jr., Stephen Gates and David Gates, and two sisters, Barbara Pattison and Mary Gates. Burial will be at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport CT, at the convenience of the family. Catharine was passionate about literacy and dogs. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in her name to an organization of your choosing.