SHEILA LESLIE Obituary

Born in Aberdeen Scotland, February 25, 1947 Died Victoria, BC Canada December 18, 2024 Sheila was devoted, thoughtful, intelligent, multi-talented, avid reader, inquisitive, fit, elegant, traveller, design conscious, fashion conscious, fearless, strong both physically and mentally, de-clutterer extraordinaire. She was an organizer without equal, whether it be school timetabling, school commencement exercises, a vacation, a renovation, a party, or the menus for the week. She was a meticulous perfectionist, whether it be a math curriculum, her wardrobe, appearance or a table setting for a dinner party. She was also a rugby fan - with encouragement from Norm. Sheila was born, raised and educated in Aberdeen, Scotland. She completed a B.Sc. in Chemistry,1968 (she chose marriage over the offer of completing an Hons Chemistry degree). Days after graduating, she married Norm Leslie, whom she had been dating for the previous five years. A year after graduation, Sheila and Norm immigrated to Canada, settling in Toronto where Norm had received a job offer at Oakwood Collegiate. Circumstances prevented her continuing a career in biochemistry research, whereupon Sheila completed her qualifications as a teacher of high school mathematics. Sheila tackled her new career path with tenacity and determination, first at Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and then L'Amoreaux Collegiate, where she was appointed Head of Mathematics, a position she held for many years before retiring in 2001. Her students appreciated her enthusiasm for mathematics, and her support for students (especially those new to Canada, and female students) in their determination to overcome systemic barriers in STEM subjects. Upon retirement, she and Norm decided to go on an adventure - they sold up their home in Toronto which had hosted many parties of 60 people or more, and migrated to Western Australia where they had established long lasting friendships whilst on a teaching exchange in 1979. In Bunbury, Western Australia, Sheila immersed herself in renovating a home and garden, playing tennis, volunteering and taking Mickie, their Golden Retriever, to a seniors' home as a therapy dog. They became expert tour guides and ambassadors of the region for their many visitors from around the world. Difficulties with Australian Visa restrictions, resulted in Sheila and Norm returning to Canada in 2010, opting for Victoria, BC, where they spent 14 wonderful years in their condo with a view out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In Victoria, Sheila was active in the community - socially, cultural and sporting. On Vancouver Island, they continued their roles as hosts and tour guides to visitors, be they inter-provincial or international. Most years, they also enjoyed extended house sits for friends or friends of friends in Western Australia. A mere two months ago, without any warning signs, Sheila was diagnosed with a very rare and untreatable form of cancer. She was strong, determined and articulate until she died peacefully in Norm's arms on December 18, 2024, aged 77, but much younger in spirit and outlook. She so appreciated her vital friendships in Scotland, Southern Ontario, Western Australia and Victoria, BC, perhaps none more so than her friendship with Karon Morehead of Welland, Ontario - a long-time friend, colleague and doppelgänger - a friendship that survived the years and tyranny of distance, whether in Australia or BC. During their shared teaching experience, they would often debrief the day whilst sitting in Sheila's Citroën 2CV in the L'Amoreaux parking lot! She is so sorely missed by Norm - two individuals who shared a common soul. Sheila was predeceased by her parents, Douglas and Anne Watt. She is survived by her ever-loving husband, Norm; and her cousin, Kate and husband, Tom, in Banff, Scotland. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sheila's name to a charity of your choosing. A celebration of Sheila's life will be held in January 2025. Condolences may be offered to the family at: www.mccallgardens.com