The Lemont community is mourning the sudden loss of beloved resident and longtime volunteer, Breanne Miller, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the age of 34. Breanne’s warm spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering dedication to those around her left an indelible mark on family, friends, and neighbors alike.
Born on August 12, 1990, in Joliet, Illinois, Breanne Marie Miller was the daughter of Robert and Cynthia Miller. Raised alongside her younger brother, Marcus, she grew up with a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and community service. After graduating from Lemont High School in 2008, Breanne earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University in 2012. She went on to teach third grade at Lemont Central School, where she was admired for her patience, creativity, and genuine care for her students.
Outside the classroom, Breanne’s compassion extended far beyond lesson plans. She volunteered weekly at the Lemont Food Pantry, organized annual book drives for underserved children, and spearheaded holiday toy collections through Lemont’s Community Assistance Program. Her tireless efforts earned her the 2019 “Neighbor of the Year” award from the Lemont Rotary Club, a recognition she accepted with characteristic humility.
Breanne married her college sweetheart, Daniel Thompson, on June 15, 2018, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lemont. The couple shared a love of hiking, photography, and exploring Chicago’s theater district. Breanne delighted in capturing candid moments of family gatherings, community events, and the natural beauty of the Midwest, many of which she posted to her popular Instagram account, @BreeScenes.
Breanne is survived by her husband, Daniel; her parents, Robert and Cynthia Miller; her brother, Marcus (and fiancée Olivia); and a wide circle of friends, students, and colleagues who will forever cherish her kindness and sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Eleanor Davis, whose passion for literacy first inspired Breanne to become a teacher.
A visiting hour will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lemont Funeral Home, 111 Main Street, Lemont, IL. A funeral Mass, celebrating Breanne’s life and legacy, will follow on Tuesday, May 13 at 10:00 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Morris, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lemont Community Assistance Program or the American Literacy Foundation in Breanne’s honor. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched—each child she mentored, each family she helped, and each friend she uplifted with her unwavering optimism.