This isn’t a typical post for From the Floors Up, but the flooring industry is a small and close knit group and we would like to take a moment to let Mohawk and Karastan know that our thoughts are with them during their time of loss.

Mohawk Home and Karastan Rugs have lost one of their longtime executives to breast cancer. Elizabeth Miller, who worked for Karastan Rugs for the past eight years of her career as its senior vice president of style and design, passed away May 3. She was 50.

Bill Kilbride, president of Mohawk Home, said, “Elizabeth was one of the most remarkable women I’ve known. For five years, she turned a devastating illness into her passion. She maintained her spirit to win even through her final days. We learned from Elizabeth; she led us; she inspired us; she has made each of us better. She has left her indelible mark on Mohawk and Karastan and each of our associates. All our thoughts and support go to her family and especially her son Oliver.” Miller was a native of Levitown, Pennsylvania. Beginning in 1993, she played a key role in driving the design direction of area rugs at American Rug Craftsmen, Mohawk Home and, most recently, Karastan Rugs.

Upon her diagnosis with cancer in 2005, she worked tirelessly with various foundations and organizations, including with other executives working in the home textile industry in support of breast cancer awareness. In particular, Elizabeth founded “Home For The Cure” in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to raise contributions and awareness.

She was the mother of Oliver Miller-Farrell; daughter of Leatrice Weiss Miller and Mark Miller; sister of Jim Miller and Maggie Myers (Andy); and aunt of Zachary Miller, Sophie Miller, Ellen Myers and Chloe Miller.

The Elizabeth Miller Memorial Fund has been established by Mohawk Home to benefit Elizabeth’s most important passion, her son’s education. Contributions may be sent to: Northside Bank, Attn: Elizabeth Miller Memorial Fund, 1300 Lover’s Lane Road SE, Calhoun, GA 30701-3988.