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LESLIE GAIL KEMBEL (MCCAINE)
Born: Mar 07, 1950
Date of Passing: Mar 22, 2020
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LESLIE GAIL KEMBEL
(nee MCCAINE)
March 7, 1950 - March 22, 2020
She leaves to mourn her loving husband Neil, of 49 years; son Steven (Agnes); daughter Erin; grandchildren, Maya, Audrey, Xavier and Brynja; and sister Maureen.
Leslie was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Thora McCaine.
Leslie was born and raised in Fort Garry in Winnipeg. Growing up she loved spending summers at "The Hut", the family cottage at Winnipeg Beach. Many great memories with her sister and cousins were made over the years. She was always proud of her Icelandic and Irish heritage. She spent many years dancing at the McConnell School of Irish Dance.
She attended Crane, Viscount, and then Vincent Massey High School, where she met the love of her life Neil. In high school she worked and modelled for Eaton's. Leslie and Neil were married in Winnipeg in 1971. Leslie worked at Floating Ecstasy and Desart. She was a dedicated Mom, Amma, and wife. She especially loved being home with her kids and as time went on with her grandchildren.
Leslie studied graphic arts at Red River College. She had a lifelong love of art, crafting, painting, and sewing. She became well known for her pottery and exhibited at shows and galleries across the prairie provinces. Later in life she devoted most of her artistic energy to fibre arts and landscape quilting. She made many friends through her participation in the Fibre Art Divas.
She also loved to garden and cook gourmet meals for friends and family. Growing up, Sunday dinners were a must. She enjoyed spending time travelling around Canada and the U.S., and lots of time renovating and decorating their different homes and cottages throughout the years.
During the last decade she and Neil returned to Fort Garry and loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially spending summers by the pool.
Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the St. Boniface Hospital 5E ward and the Riverview Health Centre, and to Dr. F. Salem of Vista Medical Centre.
A celebration of Leslie's life will take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Leslie's memory would be appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2020
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Sometimes there are just no words... I will miss My Friend forever and think of her EVERY DAY as I praise the 19 beautiful pieces of her pottery and dolls that adorn our home - yes I counted them❤️ We used to chuckle about all the things we had in common other than the great friendship we shared. She was born March 7 and I was March 5 and we were both very proud of our Icelandic heritage and the fact that we would both be “Ammas”. We shared the name Gail. She has a daughter Erin and I have a daughter Eryn. Our sons were born in the same year. We both loved cooking and entertaining. We shared a love of arts and crafts and I learned so much from her. One summer we were lucky to have booths side by side at Kenora Harborfest and had a blast helping each other wrap up our wares as one or the other’s line of buyers got too long. So many great memories also of out of town Ringette tournaments as she coached our daughters on the ice. So many SPECIAL memories keep popping into my head and I will hold them in My Heart Forever. Neil, Steven, Erin and Family - we are so sorry for your loss. The world was a better place with your Wife, Mother, Sister and Amma in it. Sometimes there are just no words... - Posted by: Gail and David Garriock and Family (Friends) on: Apr 18, 2020
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I sent a tribute already, but it went into cyberspace. I will try again, but I get so choked up, as I am missing Leslie. We met through Neil and Laurie’s friendship at Red River College, then called MIT. They visited us when we lived in Edmonton, and our lifelong friendship began. She and I sent tons of letters back and forth, about everything in our lives. I LOVED her talents, pottery, sewing, etchings, stained glass etc. She could do Anything creative, and I always felt intimidated, but she never let me feel less. She always said, that we met working at the horseshoe coffee bar in Wpg. Eaton’s. I never remembered that, but she said I was very kind to her and showed her the ropes, in a job she absolutely Hated, and was not very good at. ha, ha! Les was a fantastic mother bear, Great cook and an awesome hostess always! Not a day goes by, that I don’t think of her and our happy times. RIP! Love, Fran - Posted by: Fran Giles (Best friends ) on: Apr 17, 2020
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I worked with Neil at CJOB and had the pleasure of meeting Leslie at her home for an open house of her work. She was a lovely, warm lady who clearly had the love and devotion of her husband and children. My condolences to Neil and family. - Posted by: Kelly Lyons (Former co-worker) on: Apr 03, 2020
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So sorry to hear of Leslie's passing. Like Val, I have so many memories of growing up on Dowker Avenue with the McCaine family - such as Bill & the neighbour men pouring concrete, tandem bikes and stilts. Condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Gord Mooney (Fort Garry Neighbour) on: Apr 03, 2020
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I am so sorry to hear about Leslie. She was my neighbour as we grew up in Fort Garry, and I looked up to her. My sincere sympathy to Neil, Maureen, and the rest of Leslie's family. - Posted by: Valerie Klassen(Mooney) (Childhood friend) on: Apr 03, 2020
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So very sorry to hear about Leslie’s passing. We remember Leslie as a vibrant woman who always had a smile, was full of energy, a loving mother and wife and so very talented in her arts. I still have a beautiful pottery lady that she gave me, along with a smaller one when our daughter Laura was born. I also remember her bringing over a very loud fire truck toy when our son was born. Our condolences and thoughts are with you Neil and entire family. Sincerely Louise and Richard - Posted by: Louise and Richard Nichol (Former neighbours on West Park Place) on: Mar 30, 2020
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While I have not seen Leslie for many years. I remember well our Charleswood, Beaumont School community connections, her sincerity, kindness and her notable talent. Three of her elegant pottery ladies are treasures that stand poised on a table in our home. My sincerest sympathy to Leslie’s family. - Posted by: Sandra Simonson (Charleswood friend / neighbour ) on: Mar 30, 2020
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My condolences. I Went to Vincent Massey with Neil and Leslie. Neil and I were in the same home room one year and I believe that’s the year he met Leslie. She was a fantastic person and they made a great couple. Sounds like she had a wonderful and fulfilling life. - Posted by: Neil Mackie (High school mate) on: Mar 28, 2020
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My sincere condolences to Neil and family. - Posted by: Jocelyn Greenwood (Friend) on: Mar 28, 2020
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So very sad to hear of Leslie’s passing. I remember her sense of humour, always a lot of fun to be around. She was kind to all her friends in school. And I remember her talent for art, as well as sewing. She will be missed. Thinking of all the family at this time. Barbara - Posted by: Barbara ( Michie) MacAulay (High school friend ) on: Mar 28, 2020
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So very sad to hear of Leslie’s passing. I remember her sense of humour, always a lot of fun to be around. She was kind to all her friends in school. And I remember her talent for art, as well as sewing. She will be missed. Thinking of all the family at this time. Barbara - Posted by: Barbara ( Michie) MacAulay (High school friend ) on: Mar 28, 2020
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We lived in Charleswood as did the Kembel family and our children went to school together. Leslie did a pottery class with our kids and they still have the pottery art work they did...precious memories. Leslie was a kind and caring lady and generous with her many talents. Our family sends heartfelt condolences to Leslie's family. Ray and Lois Forzley, Brian and Jenn - Posted by: Lois Forzley (old neighbour) on: Mar 28, 2020