Edith Anne Leatherdale

In Memory of An Angel

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts our family announce the passing of a gentle soul and loving mother, Edith Anne Leatherdale, on Feb. 22, 2025, at age 94.

Mom came into this world in Orillia on Dec. 25, 1930, the first born for proud parents, Alexander and Kathleen (Thompson) MacDonald, and at an early age her love for music and the piano flourished. She was a graduate of the Ontario Conservatory of Music, and following in her father’s footsteps, also studied to become an educator.

The love of her life was Bruce Leatherdale, whom she married on Feb. 19, 1951, and who left a big void in our family when he passed from a heart attack on May 30, 1980, at age 49. But mom soldiered on raising her children, always being there for us, and reminding us daily that she loved each and everyone of us. She also became widely known as one of Orillia’s finest piano teachers, who taught numerous children and adults the joy of music, showcasing their talents with yearly piano recitals. Her faith, as a Jehovah Witness, also was close to her heart.

Together, our mom and dad were the proud parents of 10 children: Twins Judi (Ed Page) & Meredith (predeceased at birth), David (Cheryl), Linda (Ian MacDonald), Donald, Michael (Sue), Karen (Dave Baker), Susan (Michael Page), Steven (Penny) and Timothy (Kim). Mom was a cherished grandmother to Simone (Jason) & Adele (Dave), David (Tara) & Bryan (Jamie), Austin & Skye (Tristan), Luke (Elizabeth) & Dylan (Yan), Jason (Angie) & Matthew (Kelly), Melanie (Raffy), Kristyn (Jeff), Mairyn (Jason), Rylee (Chris) & Ethan (Brittany), Laurie (Steve) & Adam (Melissa), Alexandria (Brandon), Elias, Zachery & Aaron (Kim), Sarah (Nathan) & Ben (Holly). Beloved great-grandmother to Molly, Max, Tegan, Connor, Dylan, Erika, Liam, Owen, Alexander, Andrew, Cole, Gavin, Ella, Travis, Degan, Addison, Hannah, Hailey, Cohen, Hudson, Stella, Rhett, Charlotte, and Emmett. Beloved sister to Barbara Ross (Tom, predeceased), Harold (predeceased) (Dora), Gayle & Gary (predeceased) and sister-in-law to Murray & Holly (predeceased), Jack (predeceased) & June. Survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thanks to our brother David, who was mom’s caregiver and who was always by her side, allowing her to remain in the family home. And a special thanks also to Dr. Erica Catford, who gave our mother such great care.

Special thanks also go to Erin Carpenter of North Simcoe-Muskoka Local Health Integration Network, the nurses from Bayshore, the many health care workers from Paramed and Care Partners, and Christine from the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON).

Our family will hold a visitation at Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia, on May 30, 2025 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm followed by a Graveside Ceremony at St. Andrew’s – St. James’ Cemetery, 320 Coldwater Road West, Orillia, at 3:30pm where she will be joined with our father. May 30th marks the 45th anniversary of his death.

Details will follow regarding a service to take place at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and a Celebration of Life.