Some called her "the world's fastest tap dancer". Ann Miller died in January of 2004 of lung cancer. Ann, who was actually born by the name of Jonnie Lucille Coiller, starting dancing at the age of three to cure a bad case of rickets.

The rickets proved to be her good fortune.Miller danced with Hollywood legends like Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney and Desi Arnez. She starred in forty motion pictures, as well as Broadway shows and national tours.

In late life, she was known for her indomitable sparkling wit that came out on live television appearances, such as the David Letterman, Conan O'Brien and Tom Snyder shows.Ann actually wrote two books about her psychic abilities and travelled frequently to Egypt, Isreal and the Middle East.

She was someone who was born with a natural gift -- but she had to overcome many challenges in order to let that gift reveal its full potential. In doing that, she inspires us still.

See also

• The memory wall
• Facing end of life issues
• Giving back
• Shared stories