Obituary of Jeanne-Marie McLeod

June 6, 1928 – January 24, 2015 Jeanne-Marie McLeod passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on January 24, 2015, at the age of 86. Jeanne-Marie is survived by her brother Oswald Smith (Vicki) of Etobicoke, ON; three children; Keith (Linda) of Calgary, Barbara McLeod Knighton of Los Angeles and Li of Regina; six grandchildren; Sari, Matthew, Skye, Aren, Taylor, and Jesse; four great grand-children; as well as close family including niece Brenda (Erick) Anderson of Regina and nephew Ian (Dori) McLeod of Richmond. Jeanne-Marie was predeceased, in 2011, by Allan, her beloved husband of more than 60 years. Jeanne-Marie was born on June 6, 1928, in Shaunavon, to Elizabeth Montgomery and Oswald C. Smith. Tragically, her father died when she was only three years old and her brother was still a baby. Her mother successfully supported and raised the family through the difficult years of the Great Depression. The little family moved to Regina when Jeanne-Marie was a teenager, and she subsequently graduated from Central Collegiate. She studied at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, and returned to Regina after graduation. She met the love of her life, Allan, while they were both at university, and they married in 1951. They set up housekeeping in Wynyard and Keith was born there. The next move was to Regina, where Barbara and Li were born. Jeanne-Marie was always active in her church and community. She grew fabulous tomatoes, made wonderful Saskatoon pies and sewed all the children’s clothes. As the children started school, she worked for the school board as a library assistant at various Regina schools. Following their retirement, Jeanne-Marie and Allan travelled to visit and help their children and grandchildren wherever they were living; and also travelled extensively. At home, she loved to host gatherings of family and friends at the cottage at Wee Too Beach and in Regina.Jeanne-Marie was devoted to many dear and life-long friends who gathered in weekly bridge games and book clubs for many years. She and Allan were active in the Canadian Club, the Gyros and Gyrettes, and the Freedom Fifty-Fivers. She was a generous and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; and will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. The family wishes to thank the staff of Gardiner Point Care Home and College Park Retirement Residence for their kindness and care. Visitation will take place at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, on Friday, March 6, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at First Presbyterian Church, 2170 Albert Street, on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, those so wishing, may make a memorial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2R3.