Surrounded by her sons and daughters in the early morning hours of May 4, 2026, Milena (Millie) Wells of Walters Falls passed. She had a strong faith in ‘The One Who holds Eternity,’ often declaring in recent weeks, “I’m not moving out, I’m moving up!” As an active member of the Walters Falls community, Millie regularly emceed and hosted special events during the holidays, banquets for local artists, musicians, historians, and engaging in various other fund-raising and celebratory activities. But she often reminded her
neighbours how she was still new to the community, saying, “I’ve only lived here for about 50 years.”
Born in Meran, Italy, on November 26, 1937, Millie lived most of her childhood and teenage years in Linz, Austria before immigrating to Canada. She was the fourth child of seven siblings. During her career she was a restauranteur, motivational speaker, realtor, and in her later years she became a certified Montessori teacher. She enjoyed yodeling, playing the accordion, and the piano, knitting, sewing, and spending time with her friends. Millie leaves behind her only remaining sister in Austria, Irma Gerhardt (Herman Gerhardt); her children, Jenny Wells, Julie Armstrong (John Armstrong), Jeffrey Wells, Leonard Wells (Nathalie Giard) along with her grandchildren, Christopher Saarinen (Felicia Saarinen), Andrew Saarinen (Ashley Wilson), Sandrine Abate (Danny DuFault) and great-grandchildren, Shelby, Austin,
Sadie, Manase Hannu and Bryan to whom she was known as ‘Mimi.’ She also adored her dog, Rikki.

 

Cremation has taken place and arrangements entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. If desired, memorial donations to the Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound,  Walters Falls Community Center, or the Walters Falls Community Church, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com