Denise Close Miller 1931-2011

Denise served as Assistant Librarian at The Thacher School from 1975-77 and then as Head Librarian until her retirement in 1992. She was a leading force in bringing a state-of-the-art library to the Thacher campus and was well-known for her skills as a library research and resource facilitator. She was widely recognized as the “Dean of Librarians” throughout the independent secondary school world.

Born in Paris, France, on July 2, 1931, Denise and her family fled south and eventually traveled by train to Lisbon, where they secured passage on the last boat to leave that port before the start of World War II. She was educated in France and the United States. She worked, as well as studied, in both countries before moving to Ojai in 1958 to marry Robert Miller, a teacher of Spanish at Thacher, who later became the School’s college counselor and Assistant Headmaster. Before joining the Thacher staff, Denise taught at Monica Ros School, was a founding member of its Board of Trustees, and was board president from 1971-72. Following her retirement from Thacher in 1992, Denise was a library consultant to other independent schools in California. She also served as interim director of Monica Ros School from 1993-94.

The Millers traveled to Europe and Africa and spent considerable time in Mexico and South America, often with their children in tow. They spent the summer of 1963 in Argentina, and from 1964-1965 Denise taught English in Lima, Peru, where Bob was studying as a Fulbright Scholar. Denise and Bob were both viewed as life-long faculty at The Thacher School. Their three children were raised on the Thacher campus and are graduates of the School: Janet CdeP 1978, Christopher “Kit” CdeP 1980, and Nicole CdeP 1983. Denise’s hospitality, caring, advice and wisdom became legendary among her Thacher colleagues, students, and wide circle of friends.

In her retirement years, Denise turned her energy and talents to other nonprofit organizations in the Ojai Valley. She was in the forefront of the successful effort to secure a parcel tax benefiting the Ojai Library and served on the board of the Ojai Library Friends and Foundation. She also served as president of the Ojai Music Festival Women’s Committee and board chair of HELP of Ojai. An avid reader, Denise took part in three different book groups until illness curtailed her activities.

Denise is survived by her husband, their three children, five grandchildren, and a brother, Lawrence Close. Denise died early Sunday, March 6, at St. Joseph’s Health Center, Ojai, after an extended illness.