Obituary

Eleanor Miquelon Perry was born on a farm near Salix, Iowa on Sept. 25, 1930 to Cyr Miquelon and Clara (Duval) Miquelon. She had 5 brothers and one sister.

Graduating from Salix High School in a class of three, she was active in sports, possessing a keen eye and playing softball and basketball. She once scored 32 of her teams 34 points in the 3 on 3 game.

She elected to go to Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), graduating in 1952. While there, she learned to play tennis and golf and was recruited by the pros. She began her teaching career in Webster City, IA in 1952, meeting her future husband Jim Perry in 1953. They were married on Sept. 4, 1954.

After becoming the mother of four daughters, she focused her attention on her love of gardening and volunteering. She was active in the PTA, Girl Scouting, tutoring at church, and eventually becoming the Sunday School Director.

Lifelong members of Central Presbyterian Church, Jim and Eleanor formed many close and deeply valued friendships with other members. These friends provided them with joy and support throughout their lives.

With the girls in school, Eleanor worked at the Drake University Athletic Ticket Office and then later at PEO International. She continued her lifelong passion for athletics, playing tennis - even beating Billie Jean King in a practice doubles game - and running and biking.

She was a cheerful partner to husband Jim on their many camping and hiking trips. Losing her vision at age 60 did not stop her. She continued to bike on a tandem and pursued her passion for reading with audio books and crossword puzzles with help from anyone available.

Preceded in death by her husband, James Perry, she is survived by her daughters: Susan (Steve) Buck, Barbara (Tony) Lutz, Linda (Walter) Abercrombie, and Sarah (Joe) Gilliam, 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Celebration of life service will be 1:30 PM Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior.

Interment of Eleanor’s cremated remains took place prior to the service day at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Avenue, Des Moines.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn’s Chapel.

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