Mildred "Millie" (Milham) Tamer

Mildred "Millie" (Milham) Tamer, 93, passed away peacefully, with her loving family by her side, on June 17, 2026, at Wynn Hospital.

Millie was born on August 23, 1932, in Akkar, Lebanon, a daughter of the late Abraham David and Minnie (Deep) Milham. In 1933, she emmigrated to the United States in the loving arms of her parents, beginning a journey that would lead to a lifetime devoted to faith, family, and community. She attended Brandegee School and graduated from Proctor High School in 1951. Millie spent most of her life in the Utica area, where she became a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.

On February 2, 1952, Millie was united in marriage to Albert F. Tamer. Together they shared more than fifty-four years of marriage until Allie's passing in 2006. Their marriage was one marked by unwavering love, devotion, and commitment to family.

After a brief period working at Utica Cutlery and General Electric, Millie dedicated her life to her family's business, Milham's Food Market on Rutger Street. For decades she worked side-by-side with her brother, Bill, serving generations of Utica families. Affectionately known by many customers as the “Cold Cuts Lady", Millie became a familiar face behind the deli counter and took great pride in providing friendly service to everyone who walked through the door. Through her years at the market, she developed friendships with customers from countless ethnic and cultural backgrounds across Utica. Many would stop in not only for groceries, but to see Millie and her brother, share a conversation, and enjoy the warmth and kindness that made them feel welcome. Her smile, genuine interest in others, and strong work ethic made her a familiar fixture in the neighborhood for generations.

A devoted Maronite Catholic, Millie was a faithful parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church throughout her life. Her faith was the foundation upon which she built her life and guided every act of kindness she performed. She frequently visited both St. Louis Gonzaga Church and St. Anthony's Church to light candles and pray for the sick, injured, and those facing difficult times. She shared a particularly special devotion to her patron saint, St. Anthony. She often reminded others that St. Anthony was the finder of lost things and a helper of the sick and suffering, and she called upon him daily in prayer.

While she never held the title of nurse, caring for others came naturally to Millie. In retirement, she volunteered at Abraham House, offering comfort and companionship to those nearing the end of life. Affectionately known as the "Banana Lady," she often arrived with treats for residents and staff, but more importantly, she brought her presence, offering comfort during some of life's most difficult moments.

A proud member of one of Utica's longstanding Lebanese-American families, Millie treasured her heritage and the values of faith, hard work, generosity, and family that were passed down through generations and helped shape the community she loved.

Millie's greatest joy in life was her family. She loved her home and found happiness in even the simplest moments spent with those she loved. Whether enjoying an afternoon laugh, watching Judge Judy, or listening to the teachings of Mother Angelica while praying, Millie embraced each day with gratitude and faith.

To those who knew her best, she was simply "Sitta Millie" or “Aunt Millie”. No one was ever allowed to leave her home hungry. She always made certain there was enough food on the table, desserts in the kitchen, and love to go around. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and faith, where everyone was welcomed and cared for. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to share their accomplishments with others.

Millie will be deeply missed by her children, David Tamer of Seattle, WA, Cindy Tamer of Utica, NY, Albert and Caroline Tamer of East Northport, NY, and Kristen and Anthony Scalise, Jr. of Westmoreland, NY; her grandchildren, Anthony Scalise III (Callihan Marshall), Andrew Scalise (Alexis Scalise), Michael Scalise, Dillon Tamer (Kayla Hendrickson), Daniel Vargas-Tamer (Kaitlyn Vargas-Tamer), and Carly Tamer (Eli Wiel); her great-grandson, Cooper Anthony Scalise; her sister, Libby Merhib; sister-in-law, Mora Milham; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her husband, Albert F. Tamer, and her children, Mark Tamer and Andrea Tamer, she was predeceased by her parents, Abraham David and Minnie (Deep) Milham; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Assad and Hala (Harp) Tamer; her grandparents, David and Fahda Milham; her brother, William "Bill" Milham; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael (Beverly) Milham; her sister and brother-in-law, Lonnie (Frank) Deon; and several cherished in-laws, including Joseph Merhib, John (Jamel) Tamer, Dominick (Fannie) Tamer, Joseph (Kay) Tamer, and Rose (Anthony) Acee.

Millie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness, her generosity, and her servant's heart. She worked hard, loved deeply, and spent her life putting others before herself. She approached each day with humility, compassion, and love, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to Millie’s Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Rev. Abouna Boutros El Hachem, on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 1 p.m., at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, with interment in Calvary Cemetery. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of mass.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
— 2 Timothy 4:7

She was dearly loved and will be forever missed. Most importantly, she was welcomed home with open arms by her beloved Allie, whom she missed deeply and longed to see again.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Sitrin Health Care Center's Cypress House for the compassion, kindness, and care they provided to Millie.

In lieu of floral offerings memorial contributions may be made to The Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St. Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will be made available at St. Louis Gonzaga Church.

Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica, NY.

Online memorials at www.MattFuneralHome.com

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