MaryAnn (Miller) Cigich

We the children of MaryAnn Miller Cigich are saddened by the passing of our beloved Mother on February 1, 2025, just short of her 96th birthday   She died peacefully surrounded by her family in her home, her sanctuary.  MaryAnn was born on February 19, 1929, to Carl and Agnes Horgan Miller.  She was one of nine children.  Although born in The Depression, depression was not part of MaryAnn’s DNA.  Her Parents gave their children the recipe for growth, the tools for success and unconditional love and support.  She attributed her security and confidence to, and most importantly, the recognition and understanding of love and thus being loved.

MaryAnn was academically gifted and was accepted to college, but that wasn’t quite the path she took.  She found the charismatic Joe Cigich and they married August 27, 1949.  Children came quickly and, at only 26 and 28, they were able to move from the city to the country to a brand-new home they had built.  MaryAnn and Joe, together for 53 years of marriage, shared a beautiful life.  MaryAnn lost her beloved Joe in 2002.

In the sixties, while still a young mother, she began her design career working at local furniture stores.  In 1972, with the support of Joe, she established her own design business.  She named it Laurel Design inspired by the beautiful mountain laurel that grew so abundantly in our area.  In 1982, MaryAnn purchased the historic one room schoolhouse, the former Hillview Elementary School.  With the renovation of the schoolhouse, MaryAnn created a beautiful design space and showroom.  Over the years MaryAnn was a much-sought after designer.  She had a diverse clientele, many of whom became lifelong friends.  She excelled in both residential and commercial projects.  MaryAnn was most proud of the historic preservation work she did at Indiana University of PA. She also took great pleasure in mentoring young designers from area colleges and universities.

MaryAnn was a lifelong enthusiastic learner and teacher.  This was her professional life; however, the life of her family eclipsed all business successes.  We all knew we came first. 

MaryAnn lived her life with grace and gratitude. She was even grateful for challenges and hardship because she believed a lesson from God was sent to carry her through to a more profound understanding of life. Forty years ago, a magical house and property became The Homestead.  Mom and Dad loved and cherished this new home.  A swimming pool was soon added and as Mom said, “if you build it they will come”.  And come we did.  Everyone was invited.  Doors always open.  Beautiful music a must.  Great food always provided and good times a premium commodity.  Joy and laughter emanated from Log Cabin Lane.  And when goodbyes were offered with “love you” they were always met with “love you more”.

MaryAnn was preceded in death by her siblings:  Victor (Bernadine) Miller, Thomas (Josie) Miller, Carl (Dorothy) Miller, John (Jean) Miller, Agnes (Carl) Peduzzi, Elizabeth (Joseph) Dombrosky, Robert (Eleanor) Miller and Margaret (Al) Viccari.

She is survived by her children: Suzan (William) Feraco, Patricia (Robert) Sanders, MaryAnn (Dan) Hopkins, Cynthia (Timothy) Andrews and Joseph Cigich.

MaryAnn was the proud Grandmother of: Wilhemina (Steve) Jones, Gianangelo (Diane) Feraco, Joseph Feraco, Sara (Nathan) Aldinger, Lara (Matt) Prescott, Nathan (Stacie) Hopkins, Erin (Nick) Bridge, Haley (Aaron Milligan) Chopich, Cassie (Joseph) Kurtz and Sean (Hana) Cigich.

MaryAnn was the Great Grandmother of: Maverick, Enzo, Nico, Giavanna, Ben, Sam, Owen, James, Cameron, Evan, Olivia, Penelope, Emma and Owen.

She is also survived by her brother in-law Edward (Dolly) Cigich.

Family and friends will be received from 3-7pm on Friday at the Vaia Funeral Home Inc., 463 Athena Dr. Delmont, (724-468-1177).

Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. John Baptist de La Salle Church, Delmont, on Saturday at 9 a.m.

MaryAnn will be laid to rest in Twin Valley Memorial Park.

Arrangements are with Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home, Turtle Creek/Monroeville Chapel 412-823-9350.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christian Layman Corps, 258 East Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601 or www.christianlaymancorps.com.