Hazel Leatherdale

Obituary of Hazel Marion Leatherdale

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Hazel Marion Leatherdale -

Hazel, a resident of Ridgetown, and formerly of London, Ontario, and Scane Road, Howard Township, passed away peacefully at Village on the Ridge on November 24, 2022, at the age of 92.

Born in Dawn Township, Lambton County, Hazel was the daughter of the late George (Lapp) and Barbara (Zavitz) McGuire. After high school graduation, she left the family farm to work as a Bell Telephone Switchboard Operator in Chatham, where she met her husband of 51 years, Ross Leatherdale (died 2007), at a Hi Neighbour Dance.

She was a member of St. John’s Botany United Church and its United Church Women, and of McKay’s Corners Women’s Institute, a Sunday School teacher and 4H Homemaking Club leader, as well as an accomplished gardener, home canner, cook, baker, seamstress, and avid reader. Later in life she developed new enthusiasms, embracing a move to the city, learning tai chi, and participating in the lively community and music and fitness activities at her retirement home.

Dedicated mother of Catherine Leatherdale and Cedomir Radoja, London, and Mary Beth Leatherdale and Jeff Krymalowski, Toronto. Beloved grandmother of Dale (Radoja) and Gurnaam Kasbia, Calvin Radoja and Cara Smith, Ben Krymalowski and Djina Pavlovic, and Sarah Krymalowski. Treasured great-grandmother of Aiden, Aria and Olivia Radoja and Eveleen Kasbia.

Cherished sister of Doris Shaw, George, Don, and Larry McGuire. Valued sister-in-law and aunt to many. Predeceased by sisters Helen MacAlpine, Vivian Thomas, and Elaine Ito, and brothers Bill and Bruce McGuire.

The family would like to thank the staff of Village on the Ridge for the compassionate care Hazel received. Their kindness and thoughtful attention to both Hazel and her family is deeply appreciated. Grateful thanks to Dr. Kamar as well.

Hazel will be remembered for her love of family and community. We will miss her wry sense of humour and quiet strength.

A private memorial service will be held in the Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on December 14th, 2022, with interment of ashes in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown.

Those wishing to make a donation in Hazel’s honour are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Municipality Library Service, Alzheimer Society of Canada, or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be made online at mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141