Marcia Miller Solá

Marcia Jean Solá, 75, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on August 28, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Joseph and Mary (McCarthy) Miller on May 18, 1948.  She spent the first four years of her life in Peosta, Iowa, and then moved with her family to Dubuque where she grew up with her loving parents, older sister, and younger brother.

She attended St. Joseph the Worker Elementary School and Wahlert Catholic High School (class of 1966), where she developed lifelong friendships and was a decorated high school athlete, participating in competitive tennis and winning the state golf championship in 1966.  Her childhood was an idyllic time in her life, spent with extended family and friends, which she recalled fondly. 

Marcia attended The University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa, where she developed a passion for teaching and learning.  It was there that she double majored, earning both a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education/Coaching.  In 1968, she began her lifelong career in education.  She was a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor to students young and old. 

Her love of service and passion for adventure led her to join the Peace Corps.  In 1970, she moved to Bejuma, Venezuela for three years where she not only taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and coached various sports but also developed a strong appreciation for the Spanish language and Hispanic culture.  Her time there shaped much of her professional work from there on.  It is also where she met her future husband. 

In the early 70’s she returned to the States and continued teaching and coaching at the K-12 level in Minnesota and Florida.  During this time, she married Dario Solá, and they welcomed their daughter Bianca in 1980.  Marcia later divorced and in 1983 returned to Dubuque with Bianca to begin teaching at the postsecondary level.  In addition to teaching ESL, Spanish, and Freshman Seminar/World View courses, she spent 14 years serving as the Director of International Education at Loras College, and eight years serving as the Director of International Student Services at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where she earned her Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and then later retired in 2010.  She touched the lives of students and teachers from almost every continent in the world and developed lifelong friendships with people from around the globe.

Marcia was a true example of a dedicated and hard worker, so although she retired, she did not stop serving her community.  She continued to work as an adjunct professor at the University of Dubuque and Northeastern Iowa Community College.  She also spent time working at local missions and shelters, providing support, and advocating for those in need.  Most recently, she worked at the Amazon Distribution Center where she found pride in staying active and learning new skills.  Those who knew her best knew that she was always on the go.  She did not like to remain idle for long, keeping herself busy any way she could.  

Marcia also worked closely with the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Dubuque providing outreach services to immigrants.  This work was especially meaningful to her as she knew she could serve as a voice for those who were often silenced.  Her passion for the people, combined with her feistiness and firm belief in equity, made her a staunch advocate for peace and justice.  It is impossible to know just how many lives she positively impacted over the years as she did so humbly, preferring no recognition.  However, those that she helped often referred to her as their angel, their rock, and their living Mother Teresa.  She genuinely loved those whom she served and worked with.  

No one loved her more, however, than her daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.  She would beam with pride when talking about them and loved spending as much time with them as possible.  She always ensured that she was present and active in their lives, never missing an event or milestone.  She will be greatly missed by them and her ex-husband, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.  Her passing has left a major void in all of their lives, but they take comfort in knowing she lived a full and meaningful life, working as a loyal servant of God.

Marcia was predeceased by her loving parents, Joe and Mary (McCarthy) Miller; and cherished aunts and uncles, Eleanor Burds (Walter), Geraldine McCarthy, Marge McDonald (Phil), Ralph (Loretta), Justin (Ethel), John and James McCarthy, Mary Dardis (Frank), Bill Miller (Lorraine) and Marvin Connolly.

Marcia is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law Bianca and Ty Perkins; her beloved grandsons, Avante, and D’Angelo Perkins; her confidant and ex-husband, Dario Solá; her cherished siblings Mary Jo Miller, and Richard Miller (Joan); her loved nieces and nephews, Matt Miller (Tisha), David Miller (Mayia), Mariah Kammerude (Troy); her beautiful great-nieces and great-nephews, Vanessa and Natalie Kammerude, Blake Bunch and Grayson Miller, and William and Elizabeth Miller; her adored aunts Donna Kutsch (Ken) and Betty Connolly; and many beloved cousins.