Pauline Doris Leitch

Pauline Doris Leitch, our feisty, independent, 105-year-old mother, left us in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 22nd, 2022. Pauline had been admitted to Port Perry hospital with aspiration pneumonia and was later moved to Oak Ridges Hospice where she passed peacefully in her sleep. Shortly before this illness, Pauline had been baking shortbread cookies and cooking turnip in preparation for Christmas dinner.

Pauline’s husband, Ron Leitch, died of cancer in 2006. During his last two years, Mum cared for our Dad, despite being 89. Pauline, the daughter of Edna and William McVie, was predeceased by her siblings, Phyllis Henry, Doug McVie and Jean McVie. She is survived by her children: Dianne, Pat (John), Gwynne (Craig), Doug (Kim) and Tim (Gail). As well, Pauline has thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

What defined our mother?

Mum was generous but fiercely independent. She would willingly give to others but found it hard to accept anything for herself. She provided funds for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to help them with post-secondary education. When a friend admired the cushions on her couch, the cushions went home with that woman.

Mum was spunky. She began jogging in her fifties, hiked 10 miles with Dad to celebrate her 70th birthday, and in her 90s walked two miles to her doctor’s office for her B12 shot and then marched home again.

Mum valued education. When her older children headed to university, Mum decided she should go too. She took one course a semester until Dad nudged her to increase to two so she could graduate by age 65. Mum majored in English and political science and successfully graduated in 1982.

Mum’s two great hobbies were playing bridge and gardening. If there was a bridge game, Mum was there! She regularly played three times a week; any other invitation was a bonus. Summer months were meant for gardening. At 105, Mum was still pulling weeds, with one hand on her walker and the other hand clasping the weed digger.

What is the secret of our mother’s longevity? Perhaps her positive attitude. Every problem had a solution if one just persevered. This was a valuable lesson for her children.

In her later years, pneumonia took Pauline to the Port Perry Hospital several times. She always expressed her gratitude for the unfailingly cheerful, helpful staff – doctors, nurses, dietitian and kitchen staff, cleaning staff, and various therapists. The warm blankets, the cool ice chips, the assistance when needed, the diet adjusted – each act of kindness was deeply appreciated. Pauline also benefited from the care of palliative staff at Oak Ridges Hospice who were unfailingly kind, knowledgeable and efficient.

For those who wish to make a donation in Pauline’s name, it is fitting to consider either the Port Perry Hospital or Oak Ridges Hospice.

Pauline chose cremation, which took place December 30th, 2022; interment occurred January 3rd, 2023. A Celebration of Life is planned for May 7th, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Canterbury Commons Community Centre, Port Perry.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the Leitch family.