We Remember

McMILLER, Maria Albertina Alves Gomes “Tina”

October 9, 1954 — November 1, 2025

Born October 9, 1954, in Padreiro, Portugal to José Fernandes Gomes and Maria da Conceição Alves, our beloved Maria “Tina” McMiller fell asleep peacefully in Jesus in the early morning of November 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was 71.

Maria is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Frank McMiller; her son Ryan (Kristin) and grandchildren: Nyla, Adalee, Ronen, Joslyn, and Thaddeus; her daughter Krystin (Jackson) and grandchildren: Amelia, Clara, Ava, and Levi; and her son, Tyler. She is also survived by her sister Rose (Luigi) and her nieces Jessica and Cristina and nephew Christopher; her sister-in-law Anna (Manuel (decd.)) and her nephew Dennis and niece Diane; as well as numerous cousins in her large extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, José Fernandes Gomes and Maria da Conceição Alves, as well as her brother, Manuel Gomes.

Maria was a beautiful, thoughtful, and caring woman of God who always put others before herself. She found joy in spending time in her garden and soaking in the warmth of the sun. But most of all, she loved cooking delicious meals for family and friends – pouring her heart into every dish and finding joy in bringing people together, even as cancer took its toll on her. Though her strength waned, her love and generosity never did.

Her garden bloomed with unique, beautiful flowers and produced a remarkable abundance of fruits and vegetables. Maria had a zest for learning new things, trying new recipes, and she never shied away from hard work. She was very nurturing to numerous children entrusted in her care while she created and ran her own daycare business. She worked tirelessly, taking on every job possible, to ensure her children had the best opportunities in life, including fully supporting their education.

She had a special interest in caring for her pets, such as exotic birds and her stunning salt-water fish tank. Her compassion extended to every creature, great and small.

To Maria, family was everything, and she enjoyed many trips to spend cherished time with loved ones. She travelled across Canada and the United States; to Hawaii; and to her beloved homeland, Portugal.

Maria was a devoted wife and often took a quieter role, but she was the strength behind her husband’s ministry. She was the glue of the family; her fierce love for her children emanated in every aspect of her life. Many knew Maria as a caregiver and highly energetic person, especially when it came to her grandchildren. She had no trouble keeping up with them and wanted nothing more than to protect, love them deeply, and watch them grow in God’s grace.

Maria was also a cherished sister, a beloved Auntie, niece and cousin, a lovable friend, a loyal wife, a caring mother, and a delightful, treasured “Zinha” to her grandchildren.

She had a beautiful, sacrificial soul with the largest heart that reflected God’s light to many people. Jesus was precious to her, and she looked forward to the hope we have in Him and His eternal kingdom, desiring nothing more than to be reunited with her loved ones there.

Maria Albertina Alves Gomes McMiller, forever in our hearts.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  2 Timothy 4:7,8 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Child Impact International or Hospice House Kelowna.

A Funeral Service, with Pastor Jorge Tenorio officiating, will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm (PST), at Kelowna Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1130 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service.

There will be a Memorial Service in the Lower Mainland of BC in the Spring of 2026. Date to be announced.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Livestream provided by Kelowna Seventh Day Adventist Church: https: www.kelownaadventist.ca 

 

Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm (PST)

Location
Kelowna Seventh Day Adventist Church

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Child Impact International or Hospice House Kelowna Link: childimpact.org, hospicehousekelowna.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for McMILLER, Maria Albertina Alves Gomes “Tina” is scheduled for SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Kelowna Seventh Day Adventist Church

1130 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Vicki McLain says:

    I’m sorry for your loss

  • Tom and Elaine says:

    I learned to know Maria when she visited her family in Cashmere. and how she loved her grandchildren. She always came with them to their Sabbath School. I recall the joy she exudes in sharing her visit to Israel. We will miss her visits here, but can only imagine her wonder and enthusiasm when “the trumpet of the Lord shall sound” and the long waited for heavenly reunion is reality.

  • J D Victor Fitch says:

    So sorry to hear Frank. May you be sustained by the many memories and the blessed hope which, I believe is soon, and we will be with our loved ones and never be apart again. Even so come quickly Lord Jesus..

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