Obituary of Leota Lavina 'Oatie' Lenover

LENOVER: Leota Lavina “Oatie” - Died peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2014 in Chatham, Ontario. Oatie will be deeply mourned by her husband of 65 years, Keith Lenover; her beloved children, Linda Lahey (Larry), Chatham; Michael Lenover (Sherry), Chatham and Janet Lenover (Anne Campbell), Waterdown; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher Lahey (Nikki Petyanszki), Hong Kong; Shae Lahey, London; Alexandra Snyder (Duncan), Toronto, and Jacqueline Lenover, Toronto and a wide circle of relatives and lifelong friends. Oatie was born in Charing Cross on July 8, 1924 and was the last surviving member of her immediate family, predeceased by her brother, Harry Hunter and sisters, Agnes Johnston and Etta Youngs. Oatie enjoyed a long and productive life in Chatham where she and Keith raised their family. She was never happier than when her family would gather together. Her grandchildren brought her much joy and she was always delighted by visits from her grandson, Chris and granddaughters Alex, Shae and Jackie. Oatie was a woman of exceptional qualities and her indomitable spirit, fortitude and faith supported her throughout her life and especially in her declining health. Oatie was blessed with a sense of adventure, great spunk and a ready willingness to enjoy life to the fullest. She had a vitality and vibrancy that was admired by all who knew and loved her. Oatie’s joie de vivre was infectious; golf with her sisters, Ettie and Aggie was the stuff of legends as can be attested by her signature licence plate “I KNOW 9”. She was always ready for family trips, meals with friends and family, excursions to the U.S., fish dinners at Erieau or tranquil walks on the beach at Rondeau Park because they involved precious time with the people she cherished. Oatie had an encyclopedic knowledge of all her relatives and kept up loving connections with many of them. Oatie was an active member of the Chatham Baptist Church for many years and was involved in all church and community events. She was a dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels for over 25 years and an active member of the Indian Creek Golf Club. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2014 with Rev. Alex Moir officiating. Cremation has already taken place. A Private Family Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations made in memory of Oatie to the Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance – Palliative Care or Meals on Wheels would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040