Cumberland, MD - On May 29, 2025, Jean Louise (Cedergren) Miller, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home, with her daughters, Elisa and Kirste, by her side.

Jean was born in Norwalk, Conn., in 1936, to Robert and Catherine (Heinzelman) Cedergren. During her childhood, Jean developed a deep love and passion for music. Her musical talent led her to Boston University, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education.

In 1963, Jean moved to Cumberland, Md., where she raised her two daughters, and became a cherished member of the community. When the girls were young, Jean volunteered in the library of Parkside Elementary School, where she shared her knowledge and helped instill a love of reading to every child who crossed her path. Soon thereafter, Jean accepted a position as the music teacher at Saints Peter and Paul/Saint John Neumann School, where she taught instrumental, vocal, and general music classes, as well as creating and directing a handbell choir. Jean's enthusiasm and love of teaching inspired and positively impacted what could be nearly 1,000 students throughout her career.

Jean also taught private clarinet lessons to hundreds of local students during her six decades in Cumberland. Each year, her students performed in a recital for family, friends, and fellow musicians. As Jean was a proficient pianist as well as clarinetist, she often provided piano accompaniment for her students' performances. Jean's determination and dedication to her students was clear when, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Jean taught herself platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet, so that she could conduct lessons remotely with her students.

Jean was involved in our community in numerous ways. She was involved with the Community Concert Association and was a member of the Cumberland Music and Arts Club and the Cumberland Choral Society, as well as playing clarinet in the Potomac Concert Band, the Frostburg Arion Band, the Allegany County Community Orchestra, the Potomac State College-Community Concert Band, and in the orchestras for numerous local musical productions.

Following her retirement from teaching in the school system, she was asked to serve as the Program Administrator for Music at Penn Alps, which provides scholarships to students who otherwise may not be able to afford private music lessons. Not only did she administer the program, but she supported the development of the grants that funded the program, as well as being one of the many teachers who participated in the program.

Outside of her personal and professional achievements, Jean cherished time with her friends and family. On weekends, you could often find Jean enjoying a nice meal before playing a rousing game of Shanghai Rummy. Jean often won those games, which raised some suspicion, as she was always the scorekeeper.

Jean also was an animal lover, having had a cat or three in her home at all times. More recently, she began adopting older cats who often had health problems, caring for them and holding them close until they crossed the rainbow bridge.

Jean is survived by her two daughters, Elisa Partlow of Cumberland, Md., and Kirste Webb, of Maryville, Tenn. She is also survived by her dear friends of more than fifty years, Martha Murray and

Mary Ruth Thompson. In addition, she is survived by several cousins in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Indiana, Kentucky, and South Dakota.

Jean's legacy of music, education, and love for her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Please join us for a celebration of Jean's life and her impact on so many members of our community, on June 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 10 Forest Drive, Cumberland, Md. 21502. Please feel free to contact her daughters as well - elisapartlow@yahoo.com or kirstewebb@outlook.com.

Jean and her family request that in lieu of flowers, you please consider donating to a local musical organization such as Music at Penn Alps, Naylor Family Trust Fund c/o the Community Trust Fund, 112 Baltimore Street STE 201, Cumberland Md. 21502 or the Potomac Concert Band, Ms. Jakki Rogers, Treasurer, 1948 Durham Drive, Cumberland, Md. 21502. Or if you would prefer to support animal rescues, consider donating to the Allegany County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 566 Cumberland, Md. 21501-0566 or the Mineral County Humane Society, P.O. Box 394, Keyser, W.Va. 26726.