LEISA ANN RUSSELL

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LEISA ANN RUSSELL (nee FREEDY) After a truly courageous and difficult battle with cancer, Leisa, surrounded by family, left us peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2015. Born April 13, 1967, daughter of James and Patricia Freedy (who predeceased Leisa in 1996), this wonderful, strong woman - wife to Clayton, sister to Laurel (Brian), Aunt to Alanna, Garrett, Ryan and Bob, Great-Aunt to Carson and Olson, cousin, niece and friend, was unforgettable. In 2011, Leisa welcomed her Boston family as Dad married Marie, with Billy and Leslie (Ross and Drew), Brian and Lucy (Emily and Eric). She faced many challenges throughout her too short life, but with Clayton by her side, always met them straight on and never let them define who she was, and never, ever let them get in her way, or get her down. She was the kind of person that if you met her once you never forgot her - she made that kind of impression on everyone. Her smile had the capacity to light up every room and her determined and positive approach to life reminded us all that life was good, no matter what we had to face. She was a loving daughter and sister and the quote "Family, where life begins and love never ends" was something she lived her life by. When Leisa married Clay, she was adopted by the Russell clan. Leisa was the daughter Carol and Al never had, and was a sister to Clay's three brothers, Mark (Paulette), Lee (Rose) and Kent. Leisa loved the gatherings with the Russell family, and they loved her with all their hearts. Leisa had Mom's talent for baking and those of us fortunate enough to receive her goodies counted ourselves among the lucky. She was a warm and loving friend and was never too busy to make time for you, and was always willing to listen and help. Her furry "kids", as she referred to Tigger and Boots, and before them, to Buddy and Mr. Magoo, gave her much joy, and were all rescue animals that under her touch became loving members of the family. Leisa's other passion was her garden - and she kept Clay busy - if you build it I will plant it - she would say. She had a special place in her heart for Pickerel Lake, where she and Clay spent many weekends and holidays. She was never happier than when she was spending time out there with Clay and the family. We are devastated by her loss, but take comfort in knowing that she no longer has pain, and that she has been welcomed by her Mom, grandparents, father-in-law and pets. The family wants to thank her many doctors who have cared for her through the years, in particular Dr. Mallory Fast and Dr. Carol Hitchon, and most recently the doctors at CancerCare, and Dr. "Ted" and Dr. "Emily", and the outstanding team of nurses and staff on the Palliative Care ward at St. Boniface Hospital. They not only took care of her, but truly cared, and helped her through these last few very difficult weeks. There will be a celebration of Leisa's life on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club, R.R.#5, Garven Road. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you make a donation to Hull's Haven or another no kill animal shelter.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2015