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Leslie (Elizabeth) Alexander

December 30, 2016

Alexander2

It is with deep sadness we mourn the loss of (Elizabeth) Leslie Alexander (nee

Chisholm), who died unexpectedly December 30, 2016. Born the eldest of two children and raised in Port Alberni by parents (deceased) Ruth (Ruby Nickerson) and Dr. Laurie Chisholm, Leslie recently experienced the joy of a 50th high school reunion along with

fond memories of summer fun with the Alexanders and Weavers at Sproat Lake with the many enduring friendships from her youth. Her beauty, warmth and sparkle will be missed.

Since 1971, Leslie enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a teacher, counsellor and

workshop leader for the Surrey School Board. Her work deeply impacted students,

many of whom would not have completed school without her thoughtful guidance and support. Leslie had the courage, caring and skills to assist new and experienced teachers as they navigated personal and professional challenges in their careers.

Committed to best case practices in education and psychology, she was a devoted student and ambassador for the works and ideas of Dr. Caleb Gattegno, P.D. Seminars on Gabriola Island and Jungian psychologist Marion Woodman. As the long-time chair of the Step Ahead Program with entertainer and activist Leon Bibb, she was able to express her commitment to issues of social justice and equality. Passionate about life-

long learning, Leslie truly excelled as a mother and mentor figure to the many youth, educators and friends she inspired, motivated and assisted to live their best and brightest lives.

A natural chef, she blessed many with wonderful dinner parties, picnics and all manner of adventurous outings and affairs of the heart. Progressive and refined, Leslie will be remembered for her quick wit, generous spirit, charming family puns and infectious laugh. An avid reader and traveller with a keen love of culture and history, dynamic and

always on the go, Leslie will be held dear in memory by her women’s group and her writing and gardening circles. She will be deeply missed by friends near and far.

She leaves behind brother Ian (Duncan) Danial Treystone (Chisholm) and daughter

Katherine Anne Alexander. More recently, Leslie was predeceased by fiance Michael

Hayes, beloved aunts Lorna Jay and Laura Wright and dear friends Leon Bibb and Trish Grainge to name but a few. Deep gratitude is extended to the friends of Mercer Island at her side during Leslie’s last, brave moments, her caring circle of neighbours and friends at her residence in Vancouver and to all those who have reached out with love and support.

Time of Remembrance service and reception at the UBC Botanical Gardens,

Sunday, March 26, 2017, 1-3 p.m. Garden tours and walks for service guests 3-5:30

p.m. Full disability and wheelchair accessible. Motor cart available. Treetop

Canopy walkway and garden shop open. See Facebook. In lieu of flowers, please

donate to Leslie’s Botanical Garden Memorial Fund for underserved youth and

adults. See link: memorial.supporting.ubc.ca/leslie-alexander



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