Obituary of Nancy Theresa Leslie
Nancy Leslie was a force of nature. She did nothing by half measures, and lived fiercely and fully until the day she died, on August 15, 2021. Nancy’s world was her family. Predeceased by her mother, Marjorie Bennett, and her two sisters Paula and Jennifer, Nancy is survived by her sister Merle, and her children Emily (Diego), James (Jenny) and Megan (Brendan). She loved her children and their partners. She celebrated their choices and knitted their experiences and passions into her life, which meant she was her family’s greatest and fiercest cheerleader. Nancy is also survived by her loving husband and constant companion, Ross. Nancy and Ross met while working with youth at Browndale Camp while practically kids themselves. They were true partners in the way they encouraged each other to really enjoy themselves and how they worked hard to create rich experiences for their kids. They planned epic meals; went to concerts and explored new music together; camped and rented cabins and enjoyed nice drives to appreciate the landscape; and loved visits with family in Owen Sound and Nova Scotia. Nancy seized every opportunity to celebrate milestones like graduations, obscure holidays like Michaelmas, school concerts, and she insisted on spending too many hours waiting at the finish line while her family raced so she could cheer them during those last moments of the race. Nancy appreciated life. Some of the things that brought her joy were hearing the call of a loon on a quiet lake, enjoying a nice glass of wine with some great music, taking in a gorgeous view, or ensuring that meal was just a little bit more special than you expected. Nancy was very sick in the last years of her life, and she cheated death more times than any of us thought possible. She packed in as many important experiences as she could in her last year. She got to enjoy Christmas - her favourite holiday - at home. When Emily was able to come home from Colombia in July when the pandemic restrictions lightened, she enjoyed a wonderful family dinner with all her kids on the back deck. We had summer corn and barbecued sausages and the most luxurious carrot cake all while taking in the beautiful backyard oasis that she and Ross built together, and everything was just about perfect. Rest in peace, Nancy. Cremation has taken place. Visitors are welcome to John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London, Ontario on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 3 to 6 pm. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a limited number of people are able to attend each visitation period. Please e-mail donohue@donohuefuneralhome.ca with your first/last name and telephone number to complete your registration. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada or the Residential School Survivors Society by visiting this website would be greatly appriciated.
