Obituary of Jean Miles

Jean “Baba” Miles (Landiak)

World War ll Veteran - RCAF

It is with profound sadness that the family of Eugenia (Jean) Miles announces her peaceful passing in London, Ontario, on December 9, 2023, at the age of 100, at Parkwood (Veterans) Hospital.

Jean was born on September 23, 1923, in Fort William, Ontario, and was raised on the family farm. She was the second youngest of four children to Ivan (John) Landiak and Anastasia Chehowy. Ukrainian was Jean's first language, and she courageously navigated the challenge of learning English when she started school, showcasing her determination and resilience from an early age.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, George Henry Miles (1919 – 1987), whom she married on September 18, 1943. She is survived by her children: Shirley (Alexandra) Phillipson (Gary, deceased), Theresa Miles Freedman, John Miles (Ronnie Robertson), and Paul Miles. Jean was an extremely proud and loving Baba to Andrea Phillipson (Chris), Eric Phillipson (Anna), and Matthew Freedman.

She found immense joy in her expanding family, particularly when Andrea blessed her with two great-grandsons, Esker and Max. She became a great-great-grandmother when Esker and his wife Mel welcomed daughters Maeve and Brigid.

Jean welcomed John’s stepdaughter Stacey (Derek) and his and Ronnie’s grandsons Malcolm and Duncan to her family. 

Having met George during their service in the RCAF (Gander Newfoundland), they returned to London after their service to build a home and raise a family. In 1955, they purchased a home on Royal Crescent, where Jean resided for 68 years. While raising her four children, Jean undertook various jobs to financially support the family, displaying her unwavering dedication and strength. She dedicated numerous years to Woolco, assisting customers in selecting patterns, sewing materials, and guiding them in knitting, crocheting, and choosing the finest yarn goods. Her wealth of experience and passion empowered individuals to create their own clothing, and guided customers to explore their creativity and craft unique pieces, was a foundation to her work ethic.

She remembered the Ukrainian heritage passed down by her parents and when her children were young she would spend time in the kitchen with her sisters making pierogis and cabbage rolls.  She was delighted when research on the Landiak and Chehowy family in Ukraine provided the history, stories and photos of her roots.

When the family was young Jean was known for capturing moments with her camera at family functions. She found joy in gardening, was an avid reader, and devoted much of her life knitting and crocheting, passing these skills on to her granddaughter Andrea. She dedicated her spare time crocheting items for new born babies in hospitals and in support of Ronald McDonald House.

In her later years, as her hearing and eyesight weakened, Jean found comfort in the loving care provided by her son Paul. He dedicated himself to managing the day-to-day life challenges, ensuring her comfort and well-being, which brought her immense peace and reassurance during this time.

A Celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London on Saturday, December 16, 2023  from 2 - 4pm. Cremation has taken place, interment at St Peters Cemetery at a later date.

The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Parkwood Veterans, Bldg E Flr 3 Essex unit for the comfort, compassion, dignity and care during her stay there.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Ronald McDonald House, Canada-Ukraine Foundation or Life*Spin.