Noela Jean Anlage's Obituary
Noela Jean Anlage (nee Miller)
July 1, 1955 – August 6, 2025
It is with deep heartbreak that we announce the passing of Noela Jean Anlage, 71, of St. Petersburg, Florida, who passed peacefully on August 6, 2025, surrounded by family. Known to many as Cynthia, DjiDjo and to countless more, she was “Mama."
We ask that she be remembered for the profound impact, immense love, and unwavering generosity she gave to all who were blessed to know her.
Born in Tampa, Florida, to Patricia Jean Miller (nee Caulfield) , and Noel A.E. Miller, Noela spent her early years traveling the Eastern half of the United States as a Coast Guard brat, with her parents and Older Brother, Nicholas Miller.
Her earliest memories were of New Orleans, where she picked up French and developed a love for languages. Soon after, her brother was badly injured and her older cousin, Bonnie Jean Booker (nee Cantrell) stepped up to assist in her care. She has remained a pillar in her life ever since.
In 1973, Noela graduated from Cushing High School in Oklahoma, where she was active in the pep club and theatre, earning multiple state-level awards in speech and acting. She also received a vocational degree in medical studies before attending Tulsa University.
Prior to joining the U.S. Navy in 1982, Noela worked as a medical aide in nursing homes and emergency rooms. She was honorably discharged in 1984 after her infant daughter developed a life-threatening allergy to her uniform, choosing without hesitation to put her family first.
In 1982, she met the love of her life, James T. Anlage. The next year, they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Rebecca. They married in 1989 and welcomed their second daughter, Kathleen, later that year. In 1994, the couple started their family business, building it from the ground up. Together with their daughters, they traveled the Renaissance Faire and Comic-Con circuits throughout the American Southeast. Their hard work and dedication led to many accomplishments, including a spread in Vogue Magazine and a contract with a major theme park.
Through her involvement in historical reenactment, heritage organizations, and community work, Noela touched countless lives. She taught historical craft classes, mentored one-on-one, and always gave far more than she took. She was a “stand-in mom,” "pseudo-adoptive mother," or a “second mom” to anyone who needed it. "Mama" to many, but to no one more so than her two daughters.
She and James instilled in them a deep love of knowledge, history, and writing. She leaves behind multiple manuscripts, evidence of her creative spirit and passion for storytelling.
During COVID, Noela started her Instagram page The_Neighborhood_Mama where she taught thousands of followers basic life skills.
Noela faced extraordinary health challenges with courage and determination. After suffering multiple strokes starting in 2013, and at one point being in a near-vegetative state, she fought her way back, proving time and again her strength and resilience. She lost her battle with CHF and COPD in August 2025.
She is survived by her husband, James T. Anlage; daughters, Rebecca and Kathleen Anlage; and her older brother, Nicholas Miller. She is preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Miller (nee Caulfield), and her father, Noel A.E. Miller.
Noela’s kindness, humor, and unshakable love will be deeply missed and forever remembered and felt in perpetuity.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to your favorite charity.
Noela's favorite charities include:
Feed the Children
Shriners
St Jude's
The Wounded Warrior Project
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