Margaret “Aileen” Leitch, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully at Prairie Lake Hospice, surrounded by loved ones on Thursday July 15, 2021. Born in High Prairie, AB, on August 5, 1947, Aileen remained a longtime resident of the Peace Country. Following high school, Aileen married, settled into farm life, and had three children. As a life-long learner, Aileen returned to school in her early 30’s to earn honours in Business Secretarial from the Fairview College in 1980. In her professional life, she was employed as a bookkeeper and never retired as she so enjoyed her career and working lifestyle.

Deeply influenced by her grandmothers, Aileen loved homemaking. Handcrafts were a feverous hobby and many babies were adorned in her beautiful handknit or crocheted sweaters. She was also a master cross stitcher and always had a few books on the go. Aileen loved to cook and bake for family and would spend days preparing grand family meals complete with everybody’s favourite dish, even if one was forgotten in the oven! There wasn't an inch to spare for another dish nor plate; everyone was welcome! Birthday cakes were always a spectacle, complete with visits from the Birthday Fairy. Aileen loved to laugh over a cup of coffee with friends, a good joke was never lost on her. She enjoyed witty comebacks and relished in scheming and carrying out a highly orchestrated practical joke. Aileen made friends easily and would take the shirt off her back for a stranger in need. She had and loved so many pets with unconditional love. Aileen will be missed dearly by her children: Donna, Leslie, and Bonnie; grandchildren: Dion, Miranda, Woo Jin, Braden, and Jacob; her devoted longtime friend Paul; brothers: John (Pat), Bill (Anne), and Steve (Laura); sister Erin (Rob); as well as many much-loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

Aileen was predeceased by her parents Marie and Lesley “Spud” Shumard; as well as her loving grandmothers Flore “Ma” Shumard and Margaret Larahty. Special thanks are extended to health care providers at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, and Prairie Lake Hospice for all of the wonderful care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday August 13, 2021, at 1:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave).

Memorial donations may be made to Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society (204-10134 97 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7X6).