SHIRLEY JEAN LEACH (PARKER)

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SHIRLEY JEAN LEACH (PARKER) January 14, 1923 - December 27, 2003 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother on December 27, 2003 at her home. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Brenda Foreman (Dave), Kerry Stewart (Ian) of Halifax; son Ted (Phyllis) and grandchildren, Meghan, Lizzie, Craig, Derek and Richard. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Colonel John Edward Leach; two sons, Laird and Drew; sister Gwen; and brothers, Robert, Hugh, and Stuart. Also predeceased by her parents, Benjamin C. and Jessie C. Parker (Alward). Moms list of accomplishments was long. A lifelong student and reader, she could place the letters DOT, BSc. HEc, BFA, MSc AHEd behind her name. We do not know if she ever did. With a developed wit and an easy laugh, she loved a good joke, a glass of sherry, and her longtime four-legged companion, Seta. An expert on monarchy, she disliked pomp in daily life. Generous to family and church, she felt uncomfortable taking. One example of her community service showed in her longtime unbreakable habit of delivering for "Meals on Wheels". She could be teased by family for being the oldest person on her route. She so looked forward to her Tuesday lunch run with Marlene Websdale. There is not room here to mention all of her friends, but she knew the gold in someone when she saw it. The family thanks all of you for being the right people at the right place and time. Mom was widowed too early and began her working life in earnest in the early 1960s. Hard work and ability took her to the Deans chair of the University of Manitobas Occupational Therapy Department. She retired with immense respect for the students she was lucky enough to meet. At the start of this, she traded in a family tradition of a Christmas near some Florida picnic table for a series of large and complicated family get-togethers on Elm Street. It was typical that she would remember the fun and not the work. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, donations may be made to the charity of their choice, in Shirleys memory. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2003