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Daisy Miller (born Daisy Hirsch) passed away peacefully, leaving behind a profound legacy of resilience and advocacy. Born in 1938 in Zagreb, in what was then Yugoslavia, Daisy’s early life was defined by survival. Along with her parents, older sister, and extended family, she escaped to Italy, where courageous strangers helped them live in hiding until she was five years old. Following Liberation, Daisy and her widowed mother immigrated to the United States in 1951. They initially settled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles, where Daisy spent the majority of her life. Characteristically brave, she relocated to Chicago two years ago to be closer to her family.

Daisy dedicated her life to activism, community service, and remembrance. As a young woman, she volunteered locally, worked in municipal government, and served as an ombudsman for senior citizens. In the early 1980s, she began exploring her identity as a child survivor, which sparked a lifelong mission. She became a founder and Vice President Emerita of the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust, as well as the president of its Los Angeles chapter. For over two decades, she also proudly served the USC Shoah Foundation as Associate Director for Annual Development and Director of Community Relations.

For many years, Daisy was the heartbeat of the World Federation conferences. She didn’t just plan events; she poured her soul into execution, tirelessly championing our collective mission. To Daisy, this organization and its members were never just an organization—they were her family. Her profound dedication shaped who we are, and her absence leaves an undeniable void in all our hearts.

USC Shoah Foundation Tribute to Daisy Miller