Leslie Ann Hutton

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Leslie Ann Hutton, a woman whose kindness, warmth, and unwavering love touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Surrounded by the care and devotion of her family and friends, Leslie has now found rest and peace and passed, in the early hours on 29 January 2026 at Nanaimo General Hospital in Nanaimo, BC, Canada.

Leslie was born on 26 July 1959 in Baden-Baden, Germany where her parents were stationed at the Canadian Air Force Base. She lived overseas until the family moved back to Montreal, Canada in 1967. In 1972, the family moved to a farm in Ontario near the Trent River where Leslie lived until she left home. She lived in Toronto for much of her twenties and moved to Nanaimo, BC in 1989 not long after her eldest daughter was born. Leslie made Nanaimo her home from then on and loved the nature and beauty that surrounds this part of the world.

Leslie moved through the world with a heart wide open to every creature, but none more so than the dogs who trotted faithfully beside her and the winged companions who filled her days with quiet wonder. She cared deeply for all animals and they sensed her kindness instantly, gathering around her as if drawn to a rare and steady light. More recently, Spirit and Shilo rarely left her side and we are sure they feel her loss. Leslie's legacy lives on in every life she touched-four-legged, winged, and human alike.

Leslie was a gifted photographer who trained professionally and eventually owned her own studio. Throughout her life, she captured the world through her lens with a rare blend of artistry and intuition, creating countless images that continue to inspire. Her creativity extended far beyond photography-Leslie was a prolific and remarkably talented artist in many forms. She saw beauty everywhere, and she expressed it through a wide range of mediums, leaving behind treasured works that she generously shared with family and friends.

Leslie was also a healer at heart. Trained in reflexology and a lifelong believer in the restorative power of essential oils, she brought comfort, relief, and warmth to everyone around her. She freely shared her knowledge, her skills, and her presence, offering healing in both body and spirit to all who crossed her path.

Throughout her life, Leslie gave generously of herself. She uplifted others with her presence, her compassion, her amazing art, and her strength. As one friend shared, "We all were loved by one of the greatest-that is her gift to us." That love will continue to live on in the memories of everyone fortunate enough to have been a part of her life.

In these difficult days, family and friends came together-offering prayers, comfort, and shared grief. Many expressed gratitude for being able to stay connected and updated, even from afar, finding solace in each other while holding Leslie close in their hearts. "It has been a privilege to be with her even in this small way," one message read, reflecting the deep bond and community that surrounded her.

As loved ones navigate the grief of losing someone so special, they hold tight to the memories that shine through the sadness-moments of laughter, love, and the countless ways Leslie enriched their lives. "May our memories and love of Leslie continue to poke through our grief and sadness," a friend wrote, capturing the enduring impact of her spirit.

Leslie has her angel wings and watches over all of us, especially the lights of her life, Chelsea and Sharlie. Leslie was preceded in death and is now with her son, Michael Hutton and her mother, Isabelle Hutton. Leslie leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, her daughters, Chelsea Baker-Hutton and Sharlie (Dave) Osborne, her father Richard (Ulla) Hutton, her brother, Brad Hutton, her sisters, Lorelei (David) Homer and Lara (Wes) Erikson and her brother, Richard (Talitha) Hutton and her many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her daughters, Chelsea and Sharlie honored her through their strength and the care they shared so openly with others. The outpouring of love-hugs, prayers, gratitude, and heartfelt words-is a testament to the remarkable woman she was.

May she rest in peace, wrapped in the love she so freely gave.