Obituary of Eleanor Wilkins

WILKINS: (Margaret) Eleanor 

(September 19,1926 - March 18, 2024)

Passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday March 18, 2024, at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. 

She was the beloved wife of the late Alfred Wilkins (2006) and the loving mother of John (Josephine McKeever), Barbara (Ken Logan), and Karen (Eric Scheffers). She will be missed by her grandchildren Amanda (Patrick), Olivia (Yutaka), Julia (Barry), Rebecca (Mark), Matthew (Tracy), Isaac (Cynthia), Sarah (Derrick) and Katie (Roei). She leaves behind her many great-grandchildren: Thomas, Kate, Ansible, Benjamin, Oliver, Emma, Ferguson, Jacob, Luke, Elizabeth, Lily, Clara, Emily, Ezra, Naomi, Isaiah, Noam, and Odeya.

Mom was born in Oshawa and spent her childhood and most of her married life there. In 2002 mom and dad moved to Lakefield because of dad’s declining health.

She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Emma (Wilson) Chapman and her siblings Emma, Robert, Herb, John, and Doris.

Mom was the loving and nurturing matriarch of our family. She encouraged and supported us children and her grandchildren to aspire to their goals. She was unassuming and frequently underestimated her achievements and impact on others. Her refrigerator door was her pride, adorned with pictures of and artwork by her family. She was an avid card player who despite her protests always seemed to win more than her fair share of games. Mom instilled confidence in us to dream big and she celebrated all our accomplishments with pride. She challenged us to keep learning and overcome barriers. She taught us to value the privilege of education, lifelong fitness, beauty, and the Arts. She showed us what a faithful friend and good neighbour was.

During the war she worked in a glass factory and developed lifelong friends who were coined the “Duplate Girls”. Later in life she mastered the switchboard at Eaton’s and worked there for decades. A walker, bowler and follower of tai chi mom was more nimble than most people half her age. She was an epic shopper who broke speed walking records at the malls, even in heels. She instilled the importance of physical appearance through being a classy dresser, a jewellery connoisseur and never missing her weekly hair appointments with Nancy. She knew how to be silly and laugh. 

Mom loved to read and shared that passion with us. We in turn have passed the love of books to our children. She demonstrated generosity and made Christmas mornings magical. The tradition of books for Christmas continues with us children and our children. 

Mom had a sweet tooth and enjoyed an after meal treat. She coined the phrase ”dessertful” meaning - having no more room for food or wine but she saved enough room for dessert. We, her children never had that option!

Thank you to Rev. Ann and the congregation at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for welcoming her to the congregation. To Sue and Dave Garrett, you are the best landlords in the world. Thank you Home and Community Care and “mom’s girls” from VON and Nightingale Nursing. You enriched her golden years with your assistance and friendship. Also thank you to the paramedics for the care and respect you gave mom. Your efficiency was calming not only for her but for the family as well. To the P.R.H.C. nurses and doctors in ICU, B3 and palliative care, thank you for your care and guidance.

Thanks mom for being you. We will miss you but you will always be in our hearts. 

Love you mom,

John, Barb and Karen

A Celebration of Eleanor’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #77, Lakefield on Sunday April 21, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  Memorial donations may be made to the P.R.H.C. Palliative Care Unit or the charity of one’s choice as expressions of sympathy and may be made by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.