Leila Begum Smathers

Leila passed away peacefully in her sleep, with her husband Tony and close friends Daniel and Monica at her side. Leila dealt with diabetes most of her life and then kidney failure back in 2014, and thus was on dialysis ever since, which was ultimately too much for her heart.

Leila originally immigrated to Canada back in the 1980's from Mauritius, along with her Mother, brothers and sisters, and nephew, where they eventually ended up living in New Westminster. From there she worked in a variety of jobs including clothing and food retail, while at the same time helping her family at home. One of these jobs she worked with Daniel Romey who eventually wound up introducing her to Tony Smathers in 2002, and they were married two years later.

After that, early on, Leila continued to look after her Mother, and enjoyed travelling to such places as Hawaii, Mexico, Las Vegas, and BC trips. Later she continued to enjoy getting out and about locally, and continuing to keep in touch with her family and in-laws, and all her friends she made over the years.

Her surviving siblings include Faud and Faiza in Mauritius, Dune in France, Fawzia in Everett, and nephew Zyad in New Westminster. Mother Ayeesah, brother Fawzi, and sister Ferial are buried in Victory Memorial Park Funeral cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday Aug 27 12-4 at the Centennial Lodge in Queens Park New Westminster.