Leola Williams

Leola Mary Emmaline Williams (nee Dailey) was born in Chesley, Ontario, February 20, 1933, the second of three children, to parents Lola and Cecil Dailey. Big brother Melville, welcomed her into the family, and she became a big sister 11 short months later to her younger sister, Veda.

Mom grew up on the family farm near Chesley, Ontario where they worked hard but ate well due to the mixed farming that her parents did.

She received her elementary education in a one room rural school there and was accelerated, entering Chesley High School at the age of 12.

After graduation, Mom headed off to Guelph where she received her training at the business school there. Mom would later be recognized as an amazing secretary, with top of the class typing skills and superb administrative gifts.

After Guelph, Mom moved to Aurora, Ontario to board with her Aunt Bea and Uncle Ed. Mom worked hard at her first job at the CIBC bank as well as helping out at Bea’s Diner, both located on Yonge Street in Aurora.

Mom soon made connections with the local youth, enjoying roller skating, swim lessons, bowling and community dances. It was on her way to one of these dances that she first met Blake Williams, her future boyfriend and husband. After a fun-filled courtship they were married June 27th, 1953 in the little rural community church Mom had grown up attending. They settled first in Aurora, but bought their first home in Newmarket, where they welcomed their first daughter, Brenda Lee in 1957.

But Aurora was destined to be their final address, spending 63 years on Harrison Avenue where in 1963 they welcomed their second daughter, Nancy Anne on June 27th, their 10th Anniversary.

Mom continued to work during her years in Aurora, walking to work at Wells Street Public School. She enjoyed her work and loved the staff there. Having summers off was a bonus too that she quickly filled freezing and canning all that her huge backyard garden produced.

Church, and particularly the choir, and family played a big part in Mom’s life. She was the oldest living member and longest serving member of Trinity Anglican Aurora. She always donated baking and knitted outfits to the Trinity Church Bazaar, attended women’s meetings and helped wherever and whenever needed , but always found time to be with family and support us. She loved her grandchildren, Lindsay, Jeffrey, Justin and Connor. They, with her girls were the joy of her life. We never doubted her love.

After retirement, Mom and Dad travelled and enjoying their timeshare in Florida, taking cruises and later, spending summers at their cottage on Grandview Lake. Then Mom volunteered at the Trinity Church office, using her secretarial skills while becoming the longest ever church member there. (You will find her contribution as such in the church’s time capsule from 2021.)

Mom loved her little house on Harrison right up until health issues prompted them to move into assisted living at Hollandview Trail, where both Mom and Dad spent their remaining years.

Mom passed gently into the presence of her Lord on Saturday January 25th, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She is pre-deceased by her parents and siblings and loving husband, Blake.

Lee is survived by her two daughters, Brenda and Nancy, Brenda’s family (Kenneth) Reeve, their children Lindsay (Anatoli), Jeffrey(Ava), their son Yuri, Justin (Christine) and Nancy’s family (Paul) Carroll and their son, Connor Gilbert (Hillary).

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON.

A Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St, Aurora on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11 am.

Interment will take place at Aurora Cemetery.

The family request that any gifts be directed to Trinity Anglican Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers.