Pearl Elaine Milnes will be remembered for her devotion to both her family and her community.By Bridget Cook
THE life of an ambitious, caring and hard-working woman was remembered and celebrated when friends and family farewelled Hampton Park resident Pearl Elaine Milnes.
Mrs Milnes, fondly known as Elaine, sadly passed away on 23 May.
More than 300 people attended her funeral in Springvale on 28 May sharing their memories and reminiscing on a life full of service to the community, love and devotion to her family and dedication to her work.
Over the years Mrs Milnes had been a driving force behind the development of Hampton Park, particularly by bringing basketball and later netball to the town.
A life member of the Hampton Park Progress Association, which she was a dedicated member of for more than 40 years, Mrs Milnes helped lay the foundations of Hampton Park as we see it today.
Mrs Milnes was born in Gippsland to Nellie and Jack Bickerton on the 7 May 1933.
After secondary schooling she went on to Geelong Teachers College where her love affair for teaching began. She later furthered her qualifications at Monash University.
She married local man John Milnes at the age of 22 and the couple had four children shortly after; Myrleen, Janine, Fiona and Geoffrey.
She spent 19 years teaching at Cleeland Secondary College, formerly Dandenong Girls High, and then moved to Cranbourne Secondary College until her retirement.
Mrs Milnes took on extra roles in all parts of her life and had a strong sense of duty both to her family and her community.
Treasurer of the Progress Association Tony O’Hara said she never seemed to say no and always gave 100 per cent to the things she was involved in.
“Hampton Park is going to feel the loss of Elaine for many years and she will never be forgotten by those that knew, worked, admired and loved her,” Mr O’Hara said.
