Sheila Anne Leslie (née Watt)

Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, February 25, 1947
Died Victoria, BC, Canada, December 18, 2024

Sheila was devoted, thoughtful, intelligent, multi-talented, avid reader, inquisitive, fit, elegant, traveler, design conscious, fashion conscious, fearless, strong both physically and mentally, de-clutterer extraordinaire. She was an organizer without equal whether it be school timetabling, school commencement exercises, a vacation, a renovation, a party, or the menus for the week. She was a meticulous perfectionist whether it be a math curriculum, her wardrobe, her appearance or a table setting for a dinner party. She was also a rugby fan – with encouragement from Norm.

Sheila was born, raised and educated in Aberdeen, Scotland. After attending Aberdeen High School for Girls [1952-65], she completed a B.Sc. in Chemistry, 1968 [she chose marriage over the offer of completing a Hons Chemistry degree]. Days after graduating, she married Norm Leslie, whom she had been dating for the previous 5 years. A year after graduation, Sheila and Norm emigrated to Canada in 1969, settling in Toronto. Circumstances prevented her continuing a career in biochemistry research, whereupon Sheila completed her qualifications as a teacher of high school mathematics. Sheila tackled her new career path with tenacity and determination, first at Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and then L’Amoreaux Collegiate, where she was appointed Head of Mathematics, a position she held for many years before retiring in 2001. Her students appreciated her enthusiasm for mathematics, and her support for students [especially those new to Canada, and female students] in their determination to overcome systemic barriers in STEM subjects.

Upon retirement, she and Norm decided to go on an adventure – they sold up their home in Toronto and migrated to Western Australia where they had established long lasting friendships whilst on a teaching exchange in 1979. In Bunbury, Western Australia, Sheila immersed herself in renovating a home and garden, playing tennis, volunteering and taking Mickie, their Golden Retriever, to a seniors’ home as a therapy dog. They became expert tour guides and ambassadors for the region for their many visitors from overseas or inter-state.

Difficulties with Australian Visa restrictions, resulted in Sheila and Norm returning to Canada in 2010, opting for Victoria, BC, where they spent 14 wonderful years in their condo with views out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In Victoria, Sheila was a member of NOVA, 2 book clubs, and other social groups. She delighted in playing tennis till a shoulder injury forced her to most reluctantly hang up her racquet, whereupon, she took up cycling, especially with Norm, racking up two 35km bike rides per week. She and Norm enjoyed attending the Victoria Symphony and Hermann’s Jazz. They continued their roles as hosts and tour guides to visitors be they inter-provincial or international. Most years, they also enjoyed extended house sits for friends or friends of friends in Western Australia.

A mere two months ago, without any warning signs, Sheila was diagnosed with a very rare and untreatable form of cancer. She was strong, determined and articulate till she died peacefully in Norm’s arms on December 18, 2024, aged 77, but much younger in spirit and outlook. She so appreciated her vital friendships in Scotland, Southern Ontario, Western Australia and Victoria, British Columbia, perhaps none more so than her friendship with Karon Morehead [Welland, Ontario] – a long-time friend, colleague and doppelgänger – it was a relationship that survived the years and tyranny of distance whether in Australia or BC. During their shared teaching experience, they would often debrief the day whilst sitting in Sheila’s Citroën 2CV in the L’Amoreaux parking lot!

She is so sorely missed by Norm – two individuals who shared a common soul.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents Douglas and Anne Watt. She is survived by her ever-loving husband, Norm; her cousin Kate and husband Tom in Banff, Scotland.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sheila’s name to a charity of your choosing. A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held in January 2025.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com