Eleanor Bakalis

On July 12, 2019, Eleanor Frum Bakalis left this world to teach dance in heaven and choreograph the angels. Nini, to her beloved grandchildren Nathan and Lucas Milbank; Eleanor was just too big of a personality to be called: Granny! She adored her boys, and they loved to spend hours in her company as she folded their wash while showing off her "guns" (biceps) to their friends to make them all laugh. While Eleanor would never brag that she could do 50 men's push-ups, well into her 80's, her beloved daughter Melissa Bakalis Milbank was happy to share that fun fact with everyone. Eleanor's response would always be "But I don't go all the way down!" Eleanor Frum Bakalis was a dance teacher whose indelible mark on students from Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Florida is everlasting. She currently has performers dancing all around the world. With Audrey Butler(deceased) and Virginia Stirling, her two best friends she opened her own dance studio. She also coached McKeesport high school majorettes and also the award winning Clairton high school Honeybears. After moving to New Jersey she continued to be a sought after guest teaching artist. She had the privilege of studying Jazz, Tap, and Ballet with many of greats, especially Luigi, who created the platforms on which most dance technique was born. While dragging her students all over the country always insisting on dedicated study, her students improved and her choreography won numerous awards wherever she taught. Just when you thought you could not do it again, you did do it again and again ...only because she said so. Eleanor was married for 48 years to the Greek God Nick Bakalis. Her husband passed in 2002. 70 years was just not enough time on this earth for such a wonderful husband and Pappau. Survived by her dear brother, James P. Frum, a master joke teller who kept his sister amused to the end of her life. His wife Carol is the only woman with more resolve than Eleanor. Her surviving cousin Beverly Yoskovich and her husband Gary keep the family traditions alive and remind us that family is the best thing to be. Pat Ross her "adopted" daughter thanks her for saving her life many times and reminding her that Ben Gay should never be used with a heating pad no matter how sore your muscles are. And that accidently dying your hands red to match your costume is much harder than just telling Eleanor you forgot your gloves. Well maybe yes, and maybe no! Melissa, her husband Greg Milbank along with their sons Nathan and Lucas would like to thank everyone who loved, feared and adored Eleanor. Their love for her lives on and on. We are all better people for having known Miss Eleanor. A mass will be held for the newly confirmed Eleanor at St. Marys Church in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey...followed by a lunch at Portobello. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: Ramapo Bergen Animal Rescue 2 Shelter Lane Oakland, New Jersey 07436 Her dog Penny thanks you! Mass St Mary's RC Church Saturday, July 20, 2019 Email Details 17 Pompton AvePompton Lakes, NJ 07442 Directions