On January 19, 2024, we lost our devoted mother, Lesley Anne Scheeren. She passed away peacefully and with grace at her Metchosin farm, surrounded by her loving family. Lesley was 65 years old.
Lesley was born on July 21, 1958 in Comox, BC to parents Fred and Joyce Phillips (both predeceased). Her family eventually made their way into the Greater Victoria, BC area when Lesley was at a young age, where she spent most of her life. She would marry her high school sweetheart, John Scheeren, where they would begin their journey as parents in 1980 with the birth of their first son, John Richard (J.R.), and then, a couple years later, would add the final member, their second son Robbie. After spending many years in Victoria, Lesley and John eventually moved out to Metchosin, BC in 2007 into their little piece of Heaven that they cherished.
Lesley had a career of over 25 years working for the Provincial government, most notable with the BC Pension Corporation, where she made many close friendships and was very dedicated to her profession. Lesley also had a short career after her retirement where she provided childcare at her home that she loved. Nana Coco, as she was known by her little ones, loved caring for the children and watching them grow up. Lesley, during that time, also housed high school exchange students and exchange program students from Wild Arc, where she formed very strong relationships with. Lesley was also part of the horse community as she had three of her own. She was always thankful of the support of this community and the wonderful people she met along the way whom she loved.
Lesley’s (Mom’s) true passion was her family whom she was ever so dedicated to. Her absolute love and support for us through the years will carry within us forever as her flame burns bright. Mom is predeceased by her beloved husband John, and deeply missed by her son’s J.R. (wife Kate) and Robbie (wife Patti) along with her most cherished grandson, Brooks. Mom was in her most happy place when she was surrounded by the family. She was a beautiful soul and we were blessed to have her as our mother.
Mom, you are free of pain. Go and ride into Heaven with the same grace you lived your life, and know that the love you had for your family is forever imprinted in all of us. Go be with Dad.
The family requests that donations be made in her name to the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) in lieu of flowers. https://spca.bc.ca/locations/wild-arc/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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19 Responses
I first met Les at Pension Corporation, when I was doing temp work. I was young and lost, and she had more confidence in me than I did at the time. It was uplifting. Our paths crossed again years later, when I returned to Pension Corporation. She was such a presence – warm and kind, but not one to shy away from calling a spade a spade. She helped me feel welcomed, settled and sane. Her perspective-setting comments – “Well, that was a waste of time!” – kept many of us from getting caught up in things that would quickly pass, and instead focused on what mattered: family. Her sincere, earnest dedication to family was in Lesley’s every movement and thought: she truly lived for her family. My heart goes out to you.
JR, Kate, Robbie, Patti and Brooks, my deepest sympathy for your loss. I hope you can take some small comfort in knowing how loved and admired Lesley was. She was always so proud of you. From the first time I spoke with Lesley, I felt cared for. She truly was the office Mom at the Pension Corporation with a beautiful blend of care and compassion but also, like any Mom, very good at maintaining order. I feel blessed to call her my friend and I will miss her so much. She was one of a kind, gone far too soon, and remembered forever.
On behalf of all the members of Southern Vancouver Island Child Care Association we would like to send our deepest sympathy to Lesley’s family. Lesley was a kind and generous member of our association. She will be remembered by our members for her commitment and time she generously gave our association. I had the pleasure of meeting her when she volunteered to help me learn my new role on the executive. I know her time was precious as when we met, she was making lunch for the children, tending to children’s needs, fielding phone calls, all while helping me.
May you find some comfort in the cherished moments you shared together.
I worked with Lesley at the Pension Corporation for 13 years. She was my work mom. To the family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
I worked with Leslie at Pensions when my boys were born. She would share tidbits of advice earned from raising her sons. Practical and funny advice like: “You gotta run them like dogs.” Man, was she right and do I still live by this wisdom! She was a supportive coworker who made me feel at ease when I first started, and wished me well from afar for years after we’d both moved on. I will always remember a kind woman who had such dedication to and love for her sons.
Lesley was special to me. I miss her being …just being and knowing she was on her farm with her family and animals. Ours wasn’t a daily chat-like relationship; it was random and sporadic at best after she retired. But I loved her just the same.
Our hearts are with you all in this time, but now she’s back with John and the hurt is gone and I’m glad for that. Gosh, what an amazing reunion of spirits to have been witness to.
Our deepest sympathies to all her family and friends. It was a joy to know her and she will be missed. Praying for comfort and peace as you mourn this tragic loss. Hugs
With love from the Pryer family
I worked with Lesley at the Pension Corporation where she took me under her wing and mothered me, a startled newcomer, to a large and complex organization. To this day, I remember that she would help us keep our work lives in perspective and was known to say ask her team if there was a “baby in that briefcase,” which certainly helped put things in perspective. Her love for and pride in her family was so evident, I feel I knew all her loved ones, though I have never met them. I am grateful to have known and learned from Lesley and know from having lost my own mother two years ago on this day, that she will forever be with all who knew and loved her.
My deepest condolences. It was an absolute pleasure to meet your mom for the short time I was in her home painting. I wish you all peace.
Lesley was more than a friend to us, she was our adopted family. We came to Canada not knowing anyone but she and John ‘took us in’ with warmth and kindness. Lesley was our rock, our confidante, our cheerleader. She was always there to lend a hand, offer advice, and share a hug. When our daughter was born, she and John rushed to our side and took care of Max until we returned home. Lesley had a special bond with all children, but especially with Brooks her grandson. Lesley was a true friend who never let us down and we will miss her terribly.