Elizabeth Kathleen Leahy

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our amazing mother Elizabeth Leahy who left this world surrounded in love with her children at her side April 3, 2026, in Nanaimo, B.C.

Elizabeth was born in Portsmouth U.K. May 16, 1932. At age 18 she moved with her husband Patrick G Leahy to Canada. At that early age she had already experienced the height of the depression: During WW2 in England, Elizabeth was part of the Pied-Piper Operation as a seven- year-old evacuee - one of 1.5M, mostly children, who were evacuated within 3 days.

Elizabeth loved life and had many interests. She dabbled in Live Theatre; learned to sail; played lawn bowling and enjoyed card and board games – especially if she was winning (which often included a little cheating). But her true loves were ballroom dancing, gardening, and floral design. Somewhere in there she still made time to train and work as a Care Aid.

What mom loved to brag about most were her 9 children, her 6 grandchildren, and her 7 great-grandchildren. Looking back at our early family pictures we were always amazed to see she has each of us in matching outfits, the girls with our hair neatly curled; and mom looking beautiful.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by Patrick G Leahy, Cathy Leahy Sangster, and Jay F Bauder; Survived by Barbara Wilson, Sharon Lane (Marc), Patricia Leahy, Kenneth Leahy (Gloria), Elizabeth Leahy (John), David Leahy, Mary Brynildsen (Paul) and Steven Leahy.

Elizabeth travelled around the world but happily made Vancouver Island her forever home. Her time at Lakeside Gardens was a highlight of her later years where she enjoyed the company of many new friends. Elizabeth was beautiful on the inside and out – her energy to seize life, living it to the fullest, was an inspiration to anyone who knew her. A ray of sunshine has left our lives, but the strength she has passed to us will continue to grow.

We would like to thank the staff at NRGH for the excellent care of Elizabeth during her stay.

Celebration of Life May 25, 2026, 1:00pm at First Memorial 1720 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, B.C.