Eleanor Miller of Powell River, BC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and kindness, at 80 years of age.
Eleanor was born on September 15, 1943, in Winnipeg, to Albert "Tom" Phillips and Isabel Joey "Tibbi" Phillips (née Fordyce). She spent her childhood years between the Northwest Territories and Ottawa as her stepfather, Mervyn Hardie, was the MP.
Eleanor married Donald Bowers Miller in Ottawa and had a daughter, Tara (Miller) Kingman. In 1971, the family moved out to Southview Road, north of Powell River, to build a home.
In 1978, Eleanor studied at UVIC to become a library technician. At this time, she also became interested in women’s rights.
In 1980, she moved back to Powell River and worked for the school board, first at the resource centre, then Max Cameron and lastly at Brooks Secondary School. During this time, she met the acclaimed writer Ann Cameron. They purchased a farm in Wildwood and sold their produce at the farmers’ market. She was proud to be a member of the Powell River Labour Council.
Eleanor loved to travel and enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, camelids, dogs, the colour purple and Chapman’s Caramel Pecan Crunch frozen yogurt.
Eleanor was predeceased by her father Albert "Tom" Phillips, mother Isabel Joey Hardie (née Fordyce), stepfather Mervyn Arthur Hardie and brother Mackenzie Hardie. She is survived by daughter Tara Kingman (Paul) and brothers Murray Hardie and Mervyn "Pete"Hardie Jr.
No service will be held. Donations may be made to PROWLS, the Pacific Salmon Foundation or the Salvation Army.
