BRUCIE (PENNELL)

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BRUCIE (PENNELL) McLEOD RN, BN, M Sc N, Ed D, CDE January 26, 1953 - August 8, 2001 Brucie loved life. She met each day with a smile and a zest that impacted on all she met. Born in Winnipeg in 1953, she ran and jumped and danced every day. As a young girl, she played baseball, volleyball, track, speed skating and excelled in each one. Her compassion and interest in others led her into nursing, graduating with a BN from the University of Manitoba. Marrying Wayne McLeod, she moved to Brandon, MB where they lived for several years. Lives change and Brucies was no exception. Moving to London, ON, she completed a Masters Degree at Western and completed a Doctoral Program at University of Toronto. Diabetes education became her passion. Having been diagnosed with diabetes at age 12, she dedicated her life to helping others with the disease. She published several books on the subject and was known throughout North America as an authority in the field of diabetes education and self-management. Her credentials include Past National Chair of DES, National Chair of the Steering Committee for the development of the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Program. She was also a member of the CDA National Board and the coordinator of the DES Certification Program from 1990 - 1993. When not lecturing or at her computer working, Brucie could be found at Nashville North kicking up her heels or putting for par at the nearest golf course. She was the Ladies Club Champion at Georgetown Golf and Country Club several times. Brucie was an important person in many lives. Her compassion, warmth and generosity touched everyone she came in contact with. Brucie will be greatly missed by many including her parents, Gordon and his wife Carole, and Kathryn Pennell; her brothers, Todd and his wife Marianne, Grant and his wife Ann; and sister Robin Huston and her husband Derek and their families; longtime friends, Madonna Benoit and Judy McDonald; her grandmother Florence MacLeod; and scores of friends and relatives the world over. Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Oakville at Ward Funeral Home, 109 Reynolds St., Oakville on Monday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2001