Eleanor Joan Michon

December 7, 1935 – April 8, 2026

Eleanor Joan “Ellie” Michon, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on April 8, 2026, at the age of 90, following complications from a fall. She was surrounded by family in her final moments.

Ellie was born in Canton, Ohio on December 7, 1935. She graduated from McKinley High School, Kent State University, and Southwestern University School of Law. After moving to Los Angeles in the 1960s, she worked at ABC-TV before putting herself through law school and passing the bar in 1977. She went on to build a successful legal career and later served as a law professor at Cal State LA, where she was also a frequent guest lecturer and speaker in academic forums. After retirement, she relocated to Franklin, Tennessee with her youngest daughter.

Ellie was a force—fierce, intelligent, opinionated, and deeply devoted to those she loved. A lifelong activist, she believed in justice, equality, and the power of using one’s voice. Her feminist spirit shaped generations; she raised her daughters and granddaughters to be strong, independent women who stand up for what they believe in and strive to be their very best selves.

She was many things: an avid reader and bridge player who watched Jeopardy! nightly and constantly amazed us by knowing most of the answers, and who could still complete the New York Times crossword puzzle—in pen. She was also a collector of antique perfume bottles, a devoted chocolate enthusiast, and someone who loved thrifting, estate sales, and playing indoor water volleyball at the YMCA. She loved classical music, opera, and ballet, and was an unapologetic Rolling Stones superfan. She had a sharp wit and, at times, what we jokingly called “foot-in-mouth disease”—but even then, her words were rooted in honesty, insight, and a deep engagement with the world around her.

Ellie also found joy in giving back. As a Raise Your Hand volunteer, she was proud to support student learning and make a meaningful difference. She loved to travel, with a special fondness for Scotland and the English countryside—especially the Cotswolds and Lower Slaughter.

In her 90 years, Ellie taught those who loved her countless lessons: how to make the perfect pie crust, how to craft the perfect gin gimlet, that Nureyev and Baryshnikov were the greatest—and, without question, that The Rolling Stones were better than The Beatles. Most importantly, she often reminded us, that “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.”

Ellie is survived by her three daughters, Michelle Michon-L’Heureux (Will), Nicole Michon, and Noelle Michon (Daniel Lopez); her four granddaughters, Lisa Perkins, Cory Lorimer (Josh), Darci Michon, and Ava Bye; and her brother, Jerry Frisch (Judy). She leaves behind a legacy of strength, humor, intellect, and love that will live on in all who knew her.

She is deeply missed.

A luncheon and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 12:30pm

Mere Bulles (The Family Room)

5201 Maryland Way

Brentwood, TN

Please RSVP to [email protected]

In honor of Ellie’s bold and colorful spirit, guests are encouraged to wear cheerful colors—or whatever feels most like themselves.