Miley, Madeline (nee Kandel), 68, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Madeline was born in New York City, moved to St. Louis to attend college where she met her husband, Michael Miley. Madeline and Michael married in 1980 and had one child.
Madeline was a big believer in education and moved into the education field in 1986. She taught middle school up until she took early retirement in 2005 to spend time with her family and indulge in her favorite pastimes of gardening and animals. In her nineteen years of teaching, she touched many lives and would be remembered for her dry humor and her care for her students.
Madeline is survived by her husband Michael and their daughter, Erin Miley.
Services: A Memorial visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Tuesday, April 18, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Missouri.
Michael and Erin, I am so sorry for your loss. Maddie was the best! She always had a list of book recommendations for book club when we were at a loss as to what to read. She had a contagious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. And her heart? The kindest, most caring heart in the world. She loved you two so much! She loved her pets. I remember when she adopted the dog that had been in the shelter a record number of days/years. No one else saw the dog’s value, but Maddie did. There are no words to convey the deep sympathy I have for your loss. Our loss is Heaven’s gain, I know, but she was taken way too soon. My prayers are with you always.
Mrs. Miley was my 5th grade teacher. She knew how to stand up for what she believed in, and her passion caught like wildfire. She set the example for what it meant to advocate. For other living beings, for the planet, for ourselves. That was the first year in school where I actually felt like I was learning something. She woke something in me that, to this day, determines my life story and molds my purpose.
I grew up in a very small, un-air conditioned apartment w/ 7 people that year, and Mrs. Miley would always open up her classroom to me when I showed up early, let me to stay late, help sort recyclables and clean up the class… she was my safe space, and I will always hold her close to my heart.
Madeline was my fifth grade teacher. That was a very tough time in my life and I couldn’t have been more lucky than to have her as my teacher and later as an adult, my friend. She touched my life and rescued me when I was drowning emotionally. She helped me discover a true love for reading and I will forever remember her and her love for whales! The world will truly be at a loss without her in it. Sending much love to Michael and Emily❤️
Mrs. Miley was my 5th grade teacher and the year I spent with her was life changing. The love she had for teaching and her students was unbelievable and something that sticks your entire life. Later in my HS career when my life got kind of rough she took me in and allowed me to finish in her classroom. She never forgets students. She will be forever remember and loved!
Michael and Erin,
Maddie was a wonderful friend to my daughter and therefore to me. She was a beautiful soul who will be greatly missed. I am so sad for your loss.
I enjoyed working with Maddie and also appreciated her sense of humor. Especially loved her tales of her students when they touched her killer cactus. She was an avid reader and always had suggestions on what we could read next at book club. I’m so glad that we were able to spend a day shopping in Kimswick and having lunch at the Blue Owl. She will be greatly missed.
Erin I was sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I enjoyed seeing her at our retired teachers book club. I think I most enjoyed her speaking voice and laugh. Both came from deep inside her.