Obituary of Cathy Diane Staley Leeson (nee Abel)

LEESON, Cathy Diane (née Abel) Staley, of St. Thomas, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Monday, October 22, 2019, in her 61^st year.  Born in St. Thomas, ON, March 4, 1959, she was the loving daughter of Gordon L. Abel and the late Leitta (née Harris) Abel.  Beloved wife for 31 years to Richard W. “Rick” Leeson.  Dearly loved mother of Jeffrey “Jay” Staley (Amanda Dupuis), Mandy Friesen, and Kelsey Gray (Andrew).  Cherished grandmother of Michael, Melody, Audrey, Olivia and Owen.  Dear sister of Linda Jacques (George), Rick Abel (Debbie Dykxhoorn), and Karen Johnson (Harold).  Loving sister-in-law of Roberta and Gary Knott.  Also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.    A step-son, Adrian Leeson passed away in 2001.  Cathy was an honourary mom, grandma and aunt to many people.  She formerly worked with her husband at his renovation company, R & R Renovations, St. Thomas.  In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private family memorial service will be held at the SIFTON FUNERAL HOME, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).  Private interment of her cremated remains will be made in Aylmer Cemetery.  A public reception will be held on Monday, October 28th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Optimist Hall, Aylmer (30 Queen Street South). Flowers respectfully declined.  If so desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the London Health Sciences Foundation will be gratefully acknowledged.