Eleanor Williams background
Eleanor Williams
Eleanor Williams background
Eleanor Williams

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.

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 Williamsmargaret.w@email.com

67 attending
18 maybe

Life Journey

1958

Born in Coastal Oregon

December 3rd, beginning a life of quiet observation and reflection.

1976

First Poetry Award

Won high school writing contest, discovering her calling as a poet.

1980

First Poetry Collection

Published "Whispers at Dawn" to critical acclaim.

1982

Began Teaching

Started teaching high school English, finding purpose in guiding young writers.

1990

Second Collection Published

"Seasons of Solitude" explored themes of nature and introspection.

1998

Started Poetry Reading Group

Founded monthly gatherings at the library that continued for 25 years.

2001

Teacher of the Year

Honored for her dedication to students and innovative teaching approach.

2010

Fifth Poetry Collection

"Evening Hymns" became her most popular work, connecting with readers worldwide.

2018

Retirement from Teaching

After 36 years, retired to focus full-time on writing.

2023

Final Collection Released

"Stillness" published, considered her masterwork and poetic culmination.

13

Share Your Thoughts

Margaret Williams

November 23, 2023

My 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, 2023

Eleanor 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, 2023

i 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, 2023

Eleanor'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, 2023

Working 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, 2023

Eleanor 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, 2023

Mrs 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, 2023

Eleanor'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, 2023

I 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, 2023

eleanor 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, 2023

Eleanor 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, 2023

Mrs 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, 2023

Eleanor 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.