Eleanor J. Haayen

Haayen, Eleanor Joyce (nee Proctor) – Of Guelph, passed away at The Village of Riverside Glen on May 1st, 2023, in her 93rd year.

Beloved mother of Stephen Jan Haayen (Jenny Santos Haayen) and Wanda Haayen. Loving grandmother of Julian, Isabel and Anneka. Predeceased by her husband John Haayen, brothers Art Proctor, George Proctor, and sister Jean Proctor.

Eleanor’s first teaching post was in the one room schoolhouse at Rock Mills. If the day was fine, she would close the school and take the kids to the swimming hole. Herself a skilled canoeist, strong swimmer and avid skier, Eleanor loved sunny days and being outside. She loved all animals, especially her dog friend Luna. Her love of reading and her quick wit never diminished.

Eleanor, who grew up in the hamlet of Eugenia, settled in Guelph for her married life, also living in Holland, Belgium, and briefly in Nigeria.

Eleanor never stopped being interested in the lives of those she touched. Humble and compassionate, she put the needs of others ahead of her own. She will be remembered by Erin’s Neighbourhood as ‘the mother of us all’.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial contributions to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, Arthritis Society Canada or Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Eleanor J. Haayen in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.