May 8th, 1934 – September 30th, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful and devoted mother.
Mum is predeceased by the love of her life, best friend and husband David, her brother Tony and parents Robert and Violet Perrins.
She will be lovingly remembered by her two children, Jane (Brian) and John. She leaves her sister Jennifer, and her sister-in-law Georgia (Tony). She also leaves her dear brothers-in-law George (Jill) and Chris (Helen) and many nieces and nephews, including her niece Vanessa whose annual visits were a highlight for Mum.
Mum was born and raised in London, England, immigrating to Canada in the 50s with her parents and siblings. Dad soon joined to take her hand in marriage and together they built a wonderful life and raised a family in Winnipeg.
Mum committed her life to the service of others, exemplified by her leadership and dedication to volunteerism and giving back to her community. A significant amount of her life was spent working and volunteering at the Victoria General Hospital, where she started in the Dietary Department and was eventually promoted to Director of Volunteer Services. She was deeply devoted to ‘the Vic’, especially to Volunteer Services and the Guild where many of her closest friendships formed and flourished. Her expertise in volunteerism was called upon often and helped establish a strong foundation to build on for volunteer and healthcare boards alike.
When she retired as the Director of Volunteer Services, mum continued her volunteer work up until 2020, which included taking on the role of the Manitoba Health Auxiliaries Association Representative for the Winnipeg Region, the Chairwoman for the Steering Committee and a member of the Ways & Means Committee. She also served as a member and President of the Volunteer Guild contributing to many successful fundraisers and also served on the hospital’s Board of Trustees, the Board of the Guild, the Foundation’s Board of Directors and the Board of Ethics. She also enjoyed volunteering in the hospital’s Gift Shop in her later years.
Her passion for service was recognized and honored when she was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal awarded by the Governor-General of Canada (2001) to those who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities. This was a proud moment for mum and for all who knew her. She was also honoured as the national winner of the Home Instead Senior Care networks Salute to Senior Services Award in 2012.
Mum was a lover of the Arts and was a long time member of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, also serving on its Volunteer Board and participating in fundraisers. She generously donated to Artbeat Studio, Jocelyn House, the Stephen Lewis Foundation, UNICEF, CARE International and many other charities over the years.
Her love of travel and experiencing diverse cultures led to many adventures in special places – from the Arctic, where the connection to our father was deep, to England where her roots began and where she returned over the years to visit family. She travelled throughout Europe with her Wpg Art Gallery Study Group and joined her daughter for many cherished adventures in several African countries – Lesotho, South Africa, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mali.
She loved her friends dearly, and she was loved by all – so many friendships that spanned the years and continents. Friends and family members knew her as a kind, generous, witty and loving person who always thought of others. Her training and background in the culinary arts, something she shared with our father, translated into a life long love of fine food. She was known for her incredible dishes and hosted countless wonderful meals and gourmet gatherings with family and friends.
And of course she loved the family cottage at Otter Falls in the Whiteshell, where she and our father established a beautiful sanctuary to spend many cherished summers with her beloved family.
The family would like to sincerely thank all the staff at Brightwater and Misericordia Place, 3rd floor for the compassionate care of our mother. We also thank Lesley’s close friends and care support companions for their kindness, support and love shown to our mother over the past few years and final months and days of her life.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Flowers are graciously declined. Friends and family wishing to make a donation in memory of our mother Lesley may do so to the Volunteer Guild of Victoria General Hospital where a Scholarship will be established in her name, or to a charity of choice. Volunteer Guild of Victoria Hospital 2340 Pembina Hwy. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2E8 (204) 477-3347.
15 thoughts on “Lesley Julia Iredale”
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing John.
Pete & I send our sincere condolences.
Lesley was truly a remarkable woman. Her caring and compassion for others left an indelible mark on my heart. Lesley was my mentor in so many ways. How blessed I was to have Lesley as a valued colleague and cherished friend. Lesley made a huge difference in the lives of so many, including mine. How greatly she will be missed and forever cherished. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Jane, John and family.
She was a lovely lady, my mentor at the Victoria hospital. Always interested in my family. Rest In Peace Lesley you will never be forgotten. 🥰
A lovely tribute to an exceptional person. I had the pleasure of serving on the Guild Board with Lesley. Her knowledge was enviable, but it was her gracious and nurturing way of relating to everyone, which made her hugely popular among the Vic staff and Guild Volunteers. A wonderful LADY, who will be sadly missed but long remembered.
Nadine Slight, Secretary, Volunteer Guild of Victoria Hospital
Sending my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your wonderful mum. She will be remembered by all who knew her with respect and loving admiration – she was a wonderful person and friend to many. May your cherished memories help you through the difficult days ahead. Sincerely Arlene Zettler
What a beautiful tribute to Lesley. I for one am very saddened to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful mentor to me and was so gracious and helpful while I was President of the Guild. Condolences to you and all your family. Bob & Marilyn Nash.
When we saw Lesley at our coffee get togethers she always new who Bob was. We will miss her.
Our family remembers Lesley with such fondness for her wonderful friendship and support of our late Mom, Joan Scott. May your memories of your loving and caring Mum give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Condolences from all the Scott family.
Lesley will be sorely missed at The Vic, but her contributions will live on for a long time. She was instrumental in developing an organizational culture of kindness and generosity. She was one of the most gracious and thoughtful people I’ve ever worked with, and she has had a profound impact on so many. The world would be a better place if there were more Lesley Iredales, and so our job is to carry on her legacy.
I met Lesley in the Dietary Department of the Vic in the early 80’s. I was a new grad (dietitian) and just arrived from Toronto. I remember how welcoming she was. She found me a family doctor and dentist, and made sure I felt at home in Winnipeg. My sincere condolences to her family. What a lovely and special person she was.
My deepest sincere sympathy and condolences to Jane and John on the passing of your wonderful mother. It is a sad time for all of us who loved our dear friend Lesley. She made such a difference in so many lives, always had a way to bring out the very best in people. I am so grateful to have been her friend for so many years. She will always be missed but know someone so special will never be forgotten.
Kay Ames
Our sincere condolences to you John on your mother’s passing. I remember her fondly from our years together at the VIC.
Trevor and Charlotte Fulcher
I met Lesley as her care giver, however it was she who gave me the most loving and gracious care. I will alwsys cherish our times together. Dhe was a true genuine loving person eho will be in my heart forever. As Vera Lynn sang, We’ll meet again, don’t know where don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day! Not good bye dear friend, I say see you again!
My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Jane and John on the passing of your wonderful mother. It is a sad time for all of us who loved and respected Lesley. She made such a difference in so many lives, she always had a way to bring out the very best in people. I am so grateful to have been her friend for many years. She will be missed but someone so special will never be forgotten.
Kathleen Ames
Lesley was a remarkable and caring woman. I met your mum when I first started volunteering at Victoria Hospital. How lucky was I to reconnect with her when Victoria Lifeline was honoured for its 30 years! Lesley always gave me a reason to smile and she gave me a warmth in my heart. With Deepest Sympathy to her family.
I was working at the Victoria Hospital as a dietitian when, Lesley came to work in the Dietary department. She started as an aide but quickly became our diet clerk for the department, which gave her a connection to all the hospital departments. I quickly realized she had people skills and very friendly personality,so when the position of Volunteer Director came up, I suggested she apply for it. First she hesitated , but I talked her into applying as I knew she was perfect for the position. Lesley always thanked me for having encouraged her to her new role where she was a natural leader and made new friends. Your mom was so proud of both her children and the beautiful adults you had grown into. REST IN PEACE dear friend. Luisa Di Nicola