Barbara Miller Trellis
TRELLIS: Barbara Miller Trellis, 94, beloved wife of the late Emil Trellis MD, mother of Cindy Bernstein (Hal), Dan Trellis (the late Robin) and Tom Trellis (Mark Gunsky), passed away on Nov. 11, 2024. Raised in New Kensington, Barbara was the daughter of the late Irving and Rose Cohen Miller. Professionally, Barbara flourished creatively in many ways, most notably as a self-made textile designer and artist. She graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), where she majored in clothing and design. Following graduation, she was employed by Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania in a newly created management position where she taught sewing as a recreational activity. As a young woman Barbara also enjoyed overseeing two garden clubs at which time she was awarded blue ribbons. She also served as co-editor of the Tree of Life Congregation’s “Kosher Kalories” cookbook. In addition to completing countless personal projects, Barbara’s passion for needlepoint inspired her to launch a mid-life career teaching the craft to others. She ultimately became an ecclesiastical designer, and was tapped to design and produce many large-scale installations for major Pittsburgh religious institutions. She carefully selected and led teams of volunteer stitchers from these organizations to execute her elaborate designs. For Rodef Shalom Congregation, projects included Torah covers, altar chairs, enormous banners depicting the Ten Commandments and a wall hanging of the Torah portion from Leviticus. In addition, independently she designed and constructed a silk appliqued chuppah. Her final contribution was a large, dramatic appliqued kidskin menorah. In addition, Barbara designed Torah covers for Congregation Beth Shalom, Torah covers and a chuppah for Beth El Congregation, a curtain and valance gracing the Holy Ark and lectern coverings for Congregation Poale Zedek and an ark covering for Temple B’nai Israel in McKeesport. She also designed a series of communion kneelers for the United Methodist Church in Mt. Lebanon. Barbara’s contribution to the fiber arts world was further demonstrated as chairperson for two conventions for the National Standards Council of American Embroiderers. She also served as president of Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh. Organizations to which Barbara belonged included Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women, Rodef Shalom Sisterhood, ORT, and the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh. Superseding her professional accomplishments, Barbara’s most genuine passion was her devoted roles of wife and mother. Barbara enjoyed a loving marriage with Emil for over 66 years. Together they enjoyed pursuing ballroom dancing for 25 years, tackling it as a sport as much as a hobby. They also enjoyed extensive travel, which included many adventures around the globe as well as visiting all 50 states. Barbara also derived great pleasure raising her three children and maintaining lifelong close relationships with them and their spouses. Barbara cherished her grandchildren Paul Bernstein, Claire Trellis and Scott Trellis. She was preceded in death by her siblings Irene Levkoy, Robert Miller and Sally Roberts. Her beloved many cousins, nieces and nephews all have many shared memories of their times spent together. Barbara’s personality most distinguished her: She radiated graciousness and warmth, and her smile was irresistible. She had an invincible love of life. Barbara’s greatest legacy is the love she shared with family, friends and strangers. That legacy, Barbara’s love, is everlasting. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to charity of donor’s choice. Services and interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., schugar.com PJC
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