in january 1917 miller travelled to toowoomba for several weeks rest. at her last public meeting in the toowoomba botanical gardens she impressed on the women present the "need to play a part in the labor movement as it meant as much to them as the men". two days later emma miller died of cancer. the flag at brisbane trades hall was flown at half mast for the "mother of the australian labor party". a state funeral was offered but was refused by her surviving son. miller was buried at toowong cemetery.