Eleanor, 91, passed away peacefully on January 3rd 2025, at Grace Manor - Holland Christian Homes in Brampton, ON.
Eleanor was born on June 29, 1933 to Joseph Angus and Elsie Sayers in East York, Toronto, ON. Sister to William Herbert Angus ( Anne Pepall predeceased, Eva Gerold). After graduating from East York Collegiate Institute, she went on to study Physical and Health Education at the University of Toronto. She was actively involved in the women’s athletics community at U of T, playing on and coaching many teams and serving as the president of the Women’s Athletics Association.
While working over the summer at Lake Louise as a university student, she met John Frederick Stewarton Milliken (predeceased) and they went on to enjoy a loving 67 year marriage. After living in Toronto, the pair moved to Sault Ste Marie to pursue their careers in teaching. Eleanor served as a teacher, coach and mentor to countless students and athletes during her time at Sir James Dunn Collegiate. The family moved to Sudbury in 1967 and Eleanor eventually resumed teaching at Lasalle Secondary School as a supply teacher. It was challenging but enjoyable work, particularly because of the time spent with friends and colleagues on staff. She was also the head referee for many years for women’s high school and varsity basketball in Sudbury.
Eleanor and John went on to have 3 children, Ross (Louise Poloni), Bruce (Rosane Muniz de Oliveira) and Sheila (Tony DiViesti) who were her most fortunate students of all. Whether it was skiing at Onaping, practicing their golf swing in the backyard or swimming at Laurentian beach after picking their quota of blueberries, she always found time to guide them. Her lessons were numerous but kindness and generosity were foremost. As her family grew with 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, Eleanor continued to play a prominent role in family life. Even holiday scavenger hunts at the cottage served as lessons in organization, cooperation and the value of candy as an incentive.
Eleanor was also a dedicated volunteer in the community assisting Meals on Wheels, Maison McCulloch Hospice and Idylwylde Golf and Country Club among others. She was a dedicated member of the CFUW Sudbury for almost 50 years, where she served in many executive roles including with the Ontario Council and CFUW national. In these roles, she made countless friends and travelled to many parts of the world which were some of her fondest memories.
Eleanor will undoubtedly be missed by many, but her impact has shaped us all and left us with a lifetime of cherished memories.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at Grace Manor, Brampton Civic Hospital and Heike Gonze for their wonderful care and support for Eleanor towards the end of her life.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held in the future. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CFUW Eleanor Milliken Scholarship to assist women in pursuit of post secondary education. cfuw-sudbury-charitable-trust | CharityProfile | Donate Online .