Obituary of Leslie Anne Shillington

July 16, 1959 – Detroit, Michigan

April 27, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

“Let the joy of nature inspire your direction in life.”

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our dear Leslie Shillington who passed peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the age of 63 years after a long journey with dementia. Despite the challenging nature of this disease, Leslie always exhibited grace, dignity, courage and had a beauty that shone brightly from within.

Born in Detroit, Leslie moved to Ontario during her childhood. She made her way out west after high school with a close friend where she was instantly drawn to the Rocky Mountains. Leslie started her career as a dental assistant after graduating from SAIT. Soon after, Leslie met a young dental student, Rich, while working for his father, Dr. Dick Shillington. Les and Rich had a beautiful romance unfold with mutual love and appreciation for the outdoors and a zest for life. They were married on October 5, 1984, at Christ Church.

Leslie lived her life to the fullest and demonstrated resiliency and compassion in all things she did. Despite Rich passing away in 2003, she managed to raise two wonderful children who will carry on their legacy. To them, Leslie passed along the tools, moral compass and love to lead rich and full lives. She was actively engaged in the outdoors (hiking, biking and skiing), an avid gardener, a gourmet cook, and an amazing mother. She had a deep appreciation and love for art. Les worked at Virginia Christopher Art Gallery in Calgary and derived great pleasure from helping clients select the perfect piece for their home. With her family she enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Silverton, BC, Lake O’Hara, BC, Thetis Island, BC and Port Rowan, ON.

Leslie is survived by her children, Cameron (Jessica), and Kelsey; sister Jennifer, and brother Bruce; as well as the light of her life over the past year, her first granddaughter Anna, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Richard, and her parents, Edward and Barbara Dundas and in-laws Dick and Roxy Shillington.

Funeral Services will be held at Anglican Parish of Christ Church (3602 8 Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Church. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

In living memory of Leslie Shillington, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.