Nola Mae (DuBois) Miller

Nola Mae (DuBois) Miller, 77, of Bristol, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at home with her devoted husband of over 40 years, Charles “Charlie” Miller, by her side.

Nola was born on October 21, 1947 in Fort Kent, Maine daughter to the late Gilman and Mildred (Lainey) DuBois. Raised in Plainville, Nola attended Plainville schools and graduated from Plainville High School. Nola married her high school sweetheart, the late Paul N. Manwaring II, embarking on a beautiful journey together that took them from their hometown to the islands of Honolulu, Hawaii, where Paul was stationed during his time serving in the US Army. She spent a cherished part of her life basking in the warmth of the Hawaiian sun, finding happiness in the feel of sand beneath her toes and welcoming the birth of her two daughters. Her roots, however, were firmly planted back in Connecticut, leading her to return home. Settling in Bristol, Nola and Paul were blessed with the joy of raising their son alongside their daughters, creating a nurturing environment filled with love and cherished memories.

Nola's life took her through many chapters, each marked by her resilient spirit and social butterfly personality. After her marriage to her high school sweetheart ended, she found a second chance at love with an old friend, Charlie Miller. Their rekindled friendship blossomed into a beautiful marriage that brought joy and companionship to their lives.

Nola dedicated many years of her career in the insurance industry, but as the next generation was born, she made the decision to step away, retiring from CT Insurance Exchange as a successful insurance agent. Caring for and nurturing her grandchildren, she imprinted her warmth and kindness on their lives.

Nola’s passions were as varied as the tapestry of her life. She had a particular fondness for traveling and often celebrated life through song and dance in the warmth of the sun. Blessed with a playful spirit, Nola cherished moments spent playing card games and Backgammon. She often found herself immersed in crossword puzzles, where her clever mind thrived, and she relished the thrill of lively game shows on television, often watching repeats. Above all, she was the happiest surrounded by the love of her family, creating many family traditions, especially for the Holidays, where all gathered to enjoy one another’s company sharing in many laughs and unforgettable conversations.

Nola is survived by her husband, Charles Miller; her daughters, Kendra Carney and her husband, Troy, and Kimberly Kiesman and her husband, Steven; her son, Paul N. Manwaring III and his wife, Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Joshua Carney, Nathan Carney, Luke Benane, Lily Manwaring, Paul N. Manwaring IV, and Bethany Manwaring; her sisters, Patricia Bakaysa, Phyllis Belanger and her husband, Ron, and Michele DuBois; her two dearest and life-long best friends, Beverley Manzi and Karen Rohrbach; her brother, Philip DuBois and his wife, Laura; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to her first husband, Nola was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Michael Bakaysa.

A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Nola’s life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 10 AM at Saint Matthew Church, 120 Church Avenue, Forestville. There are no calling hours. Burial will be held at a later date. The staff at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville extend their appreciation to the Miller family for their trust. In memory of Nola, donations may be made to the Joseph & Anthony Manzi Foundation, 192 Harvest Hill Road, Kensington, CT 06037 (www.themanzifoundation.org).

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