Eleanor Williams
December 3, 1958 - November 20, 2023
"Rest in Peace"
In Quiet Remembrance
Eleanor Williams was born on December 3, 1958, in a small coastal town in Oregon. From an early age, she was drawn to solitude and observation, often spending hours watching the ocean and writing in her journal.
She discovered poetry in high school when a teacher encouraged her to enter a writing contest. Her poem about the changing seasons won first place, igniting a passion that would define her life. Eleanor went on to study English Literature at Reed College, where she found her voice as a poet.
In 1980, at the age of 22, Eleanor published her first collection of poems, "Whispers at Dawn." The collection received critical acclaim for its quiet introspection and keen observations of everyday beauty. Over the next 43 years, she would publish six more collections, each exploring themes of nature, solitude, and the human experience.
Precious Memories












Celebration of Life
Evening of Remembrance
Monday, November 27, 2023
6:00 PM(Past event)
Riverside Poetry Garden
234 Willow Lane, Portland, OR 97214
A quiet gathering to honor Eleanor's memory through poetry readings and reflection. We invite you to bring a poem or passage that reminds you of Eleanor, or simply come to listen and remember. Candlelight ceremony at dusk.
Hosted by Margaret Williams • margaret.w@email.com
Life Journey
Born in Coastal Oregon
December 3rd, beginning a life of quiet observation and reflection.
Born in Coastal Oregon
December 3rd, beginning a life of quiet observation and reflection.
First Poetry Award
Won high school writing contest, discovering her calling as a poet.
First Poetry Award
Won high school writing contest, discovering her calling as a poet.
First Poetry Collection
Published "Whispers at Dawn" to critical acclaim.
First Poetry Collection
Published "Whispers at Dawn" to critical acclaim.
Began Teaching
Started teaching high school English, finding purpose in guiding young writers.
Began Teaching
Started teaching high school English, finding purpose in guiding young writers.
Second Collection Published
"Seasons of Solitude" explored themes of nature and introspection.
Second Collection Published
"Seasons of Solitude" explored themes of nature and introspection.
Started Poetry Reading Group
Founded monthly gatherings at the library that continued for 25 years.
Started Poetry Reading Group
Founded monthly gatherings at the library that continued for 25 years.
Teacher of the Year
Honored for her dedication to students and innovative teaching approach.
Teacher of the Year
Honored for her dedication to students and innovative teaching approach.
Fifth Poetry Collection
"Evening Hymns" became her most popular work, connecting with readers worldwide.
Fifth Poetry Collection
"Evening Hymns" became her most popular work, connecting with readers worldwide.
Retirement from Teaching
After 36 years, retired to focus full-time on writing.
Retirement from Teaching
After 36 years, retired to focus full-time on writing.
Final Collection Released
"Stillness" published, considered her masterwork and poetic culmination.
Final Collection Released
"Stillness" published, considered her masterwork and poetic culmination.
Share Your Thoughts
Margaret Williams
November 23, 2023My dear sister. Your gentle wisdom guided me through life's darkest moments. I will cherish our late night conversations and the poems you shared. Your words live on in my heart.
Thomas Reed
November 22, 2023Eleanor was my creative writing professor and changed how I see the world. She taught me that poetry isn't about perfection, it's about truth. Her feedback on my work was always gentle but profound.
Claire Morrison
November 23, 2023i had mrs williams for english and she was the only teacher who really got me. she let me write about hard stuff and never judged. she saw me when i felt invisible. thank you
Daniel Foster
November 22, 2023Eleanor's poetry readings at the library were highlights of my month. Her voice had this calming quality, and her words always seemed to speak directly to whatever I was going through. A true artist.
Sarah Chen
November 23, 2023Working alongside Eleanor at the school was a privilege. She brought such quiet strength to everything. Even during difficult times, she remained centered and kind. I will miss our tea conversations in her classroom.
Robert Mitchell
November 22, 2023Eleanor and I were part of the same writing group for 15 years. Her critiques were always thoughtful and her own work was stunning. She had this gift for finding beauty in ordinary moments.
Lisa Anderson
November 23, 2023Mrs Williams helped me through the hardest year of high school. She let me sit in her classroom during lunch when I had nowhere else to go. Small act of kindness that meant everything. Thank you.
James Wilson
November 22, 2023Eleanor's poetry collection "Stillness" sits on my nightstand and I read it whenever I need peace. Her words have gotten me through so much. What a gift she left the world.
Patricia Hughes
November 23, 2023I met Eleanor at a writing retreat in 2010. She was so humble despite being an award winning poet. She encouraged me to keep writing even when I doubted myself. Her belief in others was genuine.
Michael Brooks
November 22, 2023eleanor taught me that its ok to be quiet in a loud world. her class was the only place i felt comfortable being myself. she really listened to her students. gonna miss her
Emma Rodriguez
November 23, 2023Eleanor mentored me when I was starting out as a poet. She read every draft I sent her and always found something encouraging to say. Her generosity with her time and wisdom was extraordinary.
David Park
November 22, 2023Mrs Williams was my 11th grade English teacher and the reason I became a writer. She saw potential in me that I didn't see in myself. Her patience and encouragement changed my life trajectory.
Rachel Stevens
November 23, 2023Eleanor was my neighbor for 20 years. Often saw her sitting on her porch writing in her journal as the sun set. She had this peaceful presence that made you want to slow down and appreciate the moment.