Jean (Franz) Miller

Cape Elizabeth, ME – Jean (Franz) Miller, 95, passed away on November 3, 2026, in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Jean was born on July 7, 1931, in Annapolis, MD, daughter of the late Henry and Hilda (Sahlin) Franz.

Jean’s early years were spent in Baltimore, Maryland and her interest in becoming an artist started when she was young. She attended the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore from a very early age until she was in her 20’s. This education was supplemented with the intensive Carnegie Art Course during her high school years. After working in the advertising industry for 3 years, she attended Gettysburg College as an English major and graduated magna cum laude in 1954 with her Bachelor’s degree.

Jean became an exceptionally talented and prolific painter. Her travels across the globe, visits to many art museums around the world, and her love of landscapes and gardens were important inspiration to her. Jean painted both oils and watercolors in the impressionistic manner, and her work was most appreciated by nature lovers. In 1969, she and her family moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania where the beautiful scenery and arts community provided further inspiration and more opportunities to show her work. She was represented at various times by galleries in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Souderton, Pennsylvania, Greenville, Delaware and Lovell, Maine. Jean won numerous prizes and awards for her work in local and regional open juried shows, and she also served as a judge in others. Her works are now in ownership all over the US, Canada and Europe.

Along the way she married, raised 4 children and was the heart of a loving family. She and her husband Martin had many friends and neighbors in their community, threw joyous parties and events, won dance contests at the country club and hosted many far- flung acquaintances in their home over the years. They enjoyed winters in Delray Beach, Florida, spring and fall in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and summers in Lovell Maine on Lake Kezar. Martin and Jean both had the same birthday, 6 years apart.

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Martin Miller; sisters, Cecilia Franz and Carolyn Robbins. She is survived by her children, Barbara and her husband John Pritchard, Chris and his wife Barbara Miller, Nancy and her husband John Zecca, and Mason and his wife Michelle Miller; grandchildren, Casey and her husband Pat Chen, Henry and his wife Kristen Zecca, Owen Zecca, Freya Miller, and Paige Miller; great grandchildren, Pierce Chen and Heather Zecca; and sister, Helene Mintiens.

Services for Jean will be held a a later date to be announced.

Donations in her memory can be made to Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Memorial Sloan Kettering Research Center.