Millie Adele Jones

Millie Adele Jones

The Yukon has lost another of its’ nuggets.  Millie Jones (nee McMurphy) passed away peacefully on February 27 in Whitehorse wrapped in the love of family, music of dear friends, and the compassionate care of staff at Whistle Bend Place.  Millie spent her entire life in the Yukon except for a few short periods when she left to study. Her parents, Jack and Adele McMurphy lived and worked in Carcross all their adult lives.  Jack was one of the mailmen who used a dog-team to deliver mail between Atlin and Carcross. Her parents also ran the Caribou Hotel during World War 2 and Adele worked as the White Pass Station Master for many years.   Millie was born in Whitehorse in 1932, grew up in Carcross and always maintained a home there where everyone was welcomed as great food, friendships and music were shared.    Her cooking and hospitality were famous.  She honed many of her culinary skills working in all the rail stations, Cowley, Pennington and Bennett.  She met the love of her life, Don Jones, who had ventured North in search of adventure and romance when he was still a teenager.  He found both in Millie.  They eloped to Skagway during July 4 celebrations.  They loved their way through 36 years of marriage until Don’s sudden passing in December, 1985.

Millie prided herself in that she got into Lake Bennet nearly every one of her 88 years!!!   How she loved that beach and swimming…becoming a competitive swimmer as a senior athlete.

Mille was adopted into the Ishkahittaan clan of the Carcross Tagish First Nation and was considered a wise Elder. She was honoured with the name L’eiw kla.

Teaching was a vocation for Millie, she was a third generation Yukon teacher. Hundreds of students and colleagues have expressed great respect and fondness for her dedication and passion for education.   Millie was equally passionate about her community and always volunteering in many different ways from children’s programs to senior’s programs.

She is already missed greatly by her four children, Ken (Maureen), Donna (Mike), Brenda (Doug) and Heather; her five grandchildren, Beverly, Linda, Les, Heather, Kyle and ten great grandchildren, her two sisters, Dolly Marchewa and Tina Devine, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews will all miss Auntie Millie, as will the numerous loved ones who also affectionately called her “Nan”.

A BIG celebration of Millie’s life will be held when we can safely gather!