Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie Frances Reitsma (née Lennox), who went to her Angels in the early hours of September 3, 2025 surrounded by her son, Chris, her daughter-in-law, Elaine and her grandson, Ayden. Though her spirit was strong, and she had so much left she wanted to do, it was time for her to go.
Leslie was born in Kingston, Ontario, and attended Kingston Mills Public School and Collins Bay High School (now Frontenac Secondary). She began her working years at Imperial Optical Lens Factory and later joined the Sterilizing Unit at Hotel Dieu Hospital. She married Don Reitsma and began the life of a military wife, moving from Kingston to Calgary Alberta, to Lehr, Germany (where Chris was born), and eventually to BC. Don and Leslie separated in 1983. Leslie worked as a Civilian for CFB Chilliwack in Base Supply, and later for Sears Canada Inc until it's closing. She moved from the family's longtime family home on Cornwall Crescent to her Woodbine Townhouse in 2003, where she spent the next 22 years with the most kind and wonderful neighbors, who treated her like family.
Family was always at the centre of her heart. She was the proud mother of Angela Reitsma and Chris Reitsma (Elaine), the cherished grandmother to Ayden Reitsma (Kelsy), Amber Wardas, Adrienne and Darien Reitsma, and great-grandmother to Peyton and Emery Reitsma, and baby Wardas due December 2025, but was simply “Nana” to all. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Katherine Lennox (nee Kehler) and her sister, Barbara Ann Knowles. She will also be remembered by her siblings, Linda Stanford (Jason and Katherine), Kevin Lennox (Jessica and Kayla), and Barbara-Ann's children.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following people for their care and love throughout the last year: Leslie's GPs, Dr. Donnolly and Dr. Bright; the caring staff at Chilliwack General Hospital; the wonderful ladies in IV therapy, especially Sue, who always made sure Leslie's chair was ready; Pam and Stuart at Fraser Health Home Care for all their thoughtful advice; Leslie's care aides and home supports, Donna and Kathy, and more recently, Denise, Thy, Doreen and Christa, for their care and companionship; Jennie and James Shanick for their above and beyond care and support in the sale of Leslie's home; the staff at Birchwood Assisted Living for their efforts to support Leslie's transition; and family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, who did so many things, big and small, to support our family during this heartbreaking time.
Though Leslie lived many years in BC, her heart remained tied to her roots in Kingston. Honoring her wishes, Leslie was cremated and her ashes will be returned home to rest with her parents. There will be no service in British Columbia.
Leslie's life was a story of love, resilience, and devotion - to her family and the people she cared for. She will be remembered always and missed forever. Please feel free to share your memories, thoughts, prayers and messages on this online memorial site.
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