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Surrounded by the love of her family, Ellen (Giles) Millard passed to the heavens on August 29, 2025, at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre at the age of 84.

Born in Springhill on July 3, 1941, she was the only child of Leonard and Bertha (Oliver) Giles. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved sons Kenton Jay Millard (1968) and Kevin John Millard (1981), as well as many cherished extended family members and friends. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, LeRoy Millard of Tatamagouche; daughter Kim Wall (Mike), Tatamagouche; son Kendel Millard, Tatamagouche; and daughter Katrina Millard (Darryl), Ottawa; as well as grandchildren Kevin (Amy), Kelsey (Cody), Straun and Saxton, and great grandchildren Ashlynn and Sawyer.

Ellen grew up in Wentworth and was part of the first graduating class of Pugwash District High School, earning the award for highest marks. She married and accompanied LeRoy as he worked across Canada on various construction projects; stories of this time were some of her favorite memories that she loved to recount. They settled back in Tatamagouche (Sand Point) in 1963 to farm on the Millard homestead. A proud Nova Scotian, she truly loved being close to the water and was still swimming off the shores of Sand Point from June to October well into her 70s.

She worked as a hairdresser for many years, both in her own shop and at Willow Lodge, and later was a writer and advertising representative for the local newspaper "The Light". She was an avid historian and talented author, writing a series of "Back When" books about local history, as well as books documenting the history of the Tatamagouche area including two children's books. She was one of the first regular vendors at the thriving Tatamagouche Farmers' Market, manning her "Millard's Farm Fresh" table of baked goods and preserves.  With a strong commitment to family and community, she was a dedicated volunteer supporting many causes including the Tatamagouche Museum, Barrachois Hall, and various organizations her children and grandchildren were involved in. She also had a strong faith and was a member of the Sharon United Church for many years.

Ellen had an unwavering curiosity and appetite to learn and experience life, whether that was hosting an exchange student from the Philippines, completing a university English course in her 60's (earning an "A", of course), or taking on a new challenge with anyone who could keep up with her. She loved to travel, enjoying annual family camping vacations around the Maritimes, visiting loved ones across Canada and the US, and the memorable Caribbean and European cruises accompanied by family and friends. The house on Sand Point was the "do-drop-in", where all were welcome and comforted with a great meal and her kind words.  She kept a special place in her heart for her son by choice, Gilbert Ross Nelson. Her many nieces and nephews looked forward to their time on the farm and will tell you she was the fun aunt, always up for an adventure, making many of their best memories!

Above all, she was the matriarch of the family as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother - trips to the beach, to the village for ice cream, baking cookies, driving to activities, and no matter what the demands of life were, she always took time to nourish the next generation.

The family would like to thank VON for their support through her journey, as well as the palliative care team at Colchester East Hants Health Centre. Although the effects of Alzheimer's changed her mind and body in the final years, she will always remain in our hearts as the essence of strength, kindness, and faith.

Visitation will be held in Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche on Thursday, September 4 from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Service will take place on Friday, September 5 at 2pm in Sharon United Church, Tatamagouche with Reverend Connie McNamara presiding. Interment, attended by family, immediately after at Lockerby Memorial Cemetery. All are invited to a reception and celebration of Ellen's life at the Barrachois Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Kevin Millard Memorial Scholarship or to the Alzheimer's Society.