By R. Latimer
Last summer, Centennial resident Eldred Milne celebrated her 104th birthday! Born on August 27, 1920, in a farmhouse nestled near the intersection of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East, Eldred’s early years were spent playing on the farm with her younger brothers, Bill, Mel and Bob. They were immersed in a world filled with livestock including cows, horses, pigs, chickens and sheep.
Eldred’s adventurous spirit was evident from an early age. A mischievous incident involving a fresh pie her mother made resulted in her and Bill breaking a kitchen window to escape punishment, blaming the pie’s disappearance on wild animals instead.
Her childhood was enriched by countless adventures, such as building dams in the nearby Wilket Creek and spending time with her Aunt Will and Uncle Tom. After the family sold the farm and moved to Hagerman’s Corners, Eldred’s connection to her aunt and uncle prompted her to return to their home in Don Mills, where she enjoyed school.
Later, Eldred, her aunt and uncle moved to Unionville, bringing her closer to family. She had a pet dog named Tootsie, a toy terrier, and canaries, all of whom were dear companions.
At the age of 12, Eldred started to study piano and music theory at the University of Toronto, Conservatory of Music, initially aspiring to become a music teacher. However, she later shifted her focus to nursing, attending the Dominion School of Nursing in Toronto. She received practical training at Albany Clinic and furthered her education with a diploma in Psychiatric Nursing and General Psychology.
Her nursing career began as a private duty nurse, where she cared for recovering patients at their homes. In 1949, she began working for Dr. Stephens, who recognized her natural skill and care and insisted she join his practice, a role she cherished, and a man she thought the world of. After Dr. Stephens passed away in 1972, she continued to devote herself to nursing, working for Dr. Robinson, Dr. Fair and various other doctors until her retirement in 1999 at the age of 79. Her career as a nurse spanned decades and countless patients.
In 1962, Eldred purchased a cottage on Georgian Bay at Balm Beach, a place filled with joyous family memories. She sold it in 1972 due to necessary repairs, but she often reminisces about fun times at the cottage.
In her retirement, Eldred moved to Millbrook and then to her younger sister Alberta’s home here in Centennial. Even in retirement, her nurturing spirit led her to volunteer with community care services in Millbrook and later at the age of 85 until 93 at the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care. She enjoyed helping residents, often picturing her late brothers who were WWII veterans.
Eldred loved reading, particularly Today Is All You Have by Dr. Overton Stephens M.D., and listening to classical music, especially Chopin. Although her eyesight diminished with age, Eldred continues to find joy in listening to stories, engaging with friends, and occasionally enjoying a glass of sherry. Never forgetting to remind her nephew when the bottle is getting low.
Even at 104, Eldred maintains her independence. She is often seen on her front porch, waving to neighbours and sharing stories with passing children. She believes her long life can be credited to staying active, enjoying small nutritious meals, and never losing her curiosity.
When asked if there is anything she still wants to accomplish, Eldred smiles and says, “No, I think I’ve done it all.” Her life, centred around love, service and humour, continues to inspire all who know her.