Maurley Miller, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, in New York City at the age of 72. Her unexpected departure has left a deep sorrow in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Maurley’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and a boundless spirit that touched everyone around her. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her unwavering kindness, and the profound impact she had on the lives of those who loved her.
Born on March 18, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, Maurley was the eldest of four children born to Samuel and Margaret Miller. Growing up in a tight-knit, working-class neighborhood, Maurley quickly learned the value of hard work and community. Her early years were marked by a sense of responsibility and a caring nature that she carried with her throughout her life. Her siblings fondly remember her as a protective and nurturing sister, always looking out for them with a blend of compassion and humor.
Maurley attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where she excelled in her studies and developed a keen interest in the arts. She was especially drawn to theater and dance, and her talents led her to participate in various local productions during her youth. She was also a gifted writer and loved composing poetry, often sharing her work with family and friends. Maurley’s artistic soul was something that defined her—whether it was through her dance, her words, or the way she saw the world, she had a unique ability to make the ordinary feel extraordinary.
After graduating from high school, Maurley attended New York University, where she pursued a degree in literature. While at NYU, she met and fell in love with her future husband, Robert “Rob” Thomas, a fellow student studying philosophy. They married in 1975, and their partnership was one built on mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and deep affection. Together, they navigated the ups and downs of life in New York City, a city Maurley loved with all her heart. They shared a passion for the arts, often attending Broadway shows, art exhibits, and local performances, always seeking to deepen their understanding of the world through culture and creativity.
In 1981, Maurley and Rob welcomed their first child, a son named Elijah. The birth of her son marked a profound shift in Maurley’s life, as she transitioned from a young woman focused on her own creative pursuits to a devoted and loving mother. She was always fully present in Elijah’s life, giving him the kind of love, guidance, and encouragement that only a mother like Maurley could offer. Elijah was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into raising him with the same creativity and compassion that she had embraced in her own life.
Maurley’s professional life was equally as inspiring as her personal life. She worked as a writer and editor for several publications, contributing to magazines, literary journals, and online platforms. Her love of words and her gift for storytelling made her an exceptional editor, and she mentored countless young writers throughout her career. Maurley was also a regular volunteer at the New York Public Library, where she helped with youth literacy programs, fostering a love of reading and writing in children from all walks of life. Her work in both the literary and community spheres earned her the admiration and respect of her colleagues, who often described her as a source of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
In addition to her professional and volunteer work, Maurley had a deep love for travel. She and Rob enjoyed many adventures, visiting countries around the world and immersing themselves in different cultures. She loved experiencing the diverse cuisines, art, and architecture that each new place offered, always finding beauty in the unfamiliar. Her travels allowed her to expand her own horizons and share stories with her friends and family, inspiring others to embrace the world with the same curiosity and open-mindedness that she did.
In recent years, Maurley’s focus shifted to her role as a grandmother, a title she cherished deeply. Elijah’s children, Ruby and Miles, brought her immense joy, and she spent as much time as possible with them, sharing stories, playing games, and passing down her love for books, art, and music. Her family was her greatest treasure, and her love for them was evident in every aspect of her life. Maurley’s last years were not without challenges, but even in the face of illness, she remained remarkably strong, never losing her ability to laugh, love, or offer words of comfort to those around her.
Her family describes her as a woman of great resilience, whose ability to face adversity with grace and humor was truly inspiring. She found peace in the simple joys of life—spending time with loved ones, reading a good book, and enjoying a warm cup of tea while watching the sunset over the Manhattan skyline. Maurley is survived by her beloved son, Elijah Thomas (Rachel); her grandchildren, Ruby and Miles; her siblings, David (Tina), Lena (George), and Isaac (Mara); and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Margaret Miller, and her loving husband, Robert “Rob” Thomas, who passed away in 2015.
A memorial service to celebrate Maurley’s life will be held on January 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn. The family will host a gathering afterward at Maurley’s home in Brooklyn, where friends and family are invited to share their memories and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maurley’s honor to the New York Public Library’s literacy programs, which she held close to her heart. The loss of Maurley Miller has left an irreplaceable gap in the lives of those who loved her. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel as we remember a woman whose warmth, kindness, and intellectual spirit touched all who knew her.
Maurley was a beacon of light to her family, her friends, and the community she served so selflessly. Her presence, her laughter, and her wisdom will be sorely missed. To Elijah, Rachel, Ruby, Miles, and the rest of Maurley’s family, we extend our deepest condolences. The love and strength that Maurley shared with you all will continue to live on in the cherished memories you hold. May you find comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved and how much of her spirit she has passed down to those who will carry her legacy forward.
Maurley’s passing is a great loss, but her life was one well-lived. She inspired all of us to be better, to seek beauty in the world, and to cherish the moments we have with those we love. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the incredible person she was—a woman whose heart was as vast as the city she called home. Rest in peace, Maurley. You will always be remembered, and you will never be forgotten.
