Obituary of Elizabeth Leadbeater

LEADBEATER, Elizabeth Died peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre with family at her side on Sunday, November 28, 2010 in her 95th year. She was born in Toronto in 1916, the daughter of the late Jane and Charles Edward Markham from England. Beloved wife of the late Roy Leadbeater. Cherished mother of Joan Leadbeater-Graham and her husband Robert L. Graham. Loving step-grandmother of Hilary (nee Graham) and her husband Andrea Ponti, Michael Graham and Barb Graham. Special step-great-grandma of Justin Graham, Edward Ponti, Hailey Graham, Isabella Ponti, Charles Ponti and Allegra Ponti. Dear sister of the late Dorothy (the late Herman) Latour and cherished "Auntie" to Paul (Andrea) Latour, and their children Chris (Robyn) Latour, their son Nicholas and Giselle Dagenais, and her daughters Zoé and Rébakah. Loving sister of the late George Markham and sister-in-law of the late Doreen Markham and loving aunt of their son David (Laura) Markham. Special cousin of the late Ted (the late Isabel) Sawyer, and their children Michael, Janet and John. Much loved cousin of Penny Burden, her daughter Tamara (Vance) Porter, their children Noah and Lauren, and her son David Burden; Brian (Helga) Newcombe, and Brian's sons Chad (Jill) Newcombe, their daughter Stella Grace and John Newcombe; Barbara (the late Bruce) Golke and their son Neil. She will be missed by her family, friends and all who knew and loved her. Elizabeth was passionate about the written and spoken word. She acted in Little Theatre at Hart House, on radio and in variety shows throughout her younger life. She was a graduate of the School of Speech and Drama at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Her teaching career covered 20 years of private tuition in clear speech and expression, direction of plays and the development of courses in the use of drama in group work. Elizabeth developed and ran a Drama Program for the Speech and Stroke Centre in North York in the late 1980's. Roy, Elizabeth and Joan were founding members of the Anglican Church of the Ascension in Don Mills, Ontario in 1954, where she has been an active member for many years. She and Roy taught Tai Chi in the community and at Taylor Place for 14 years, they travelled extensively with Elder Hostel and until recently she was an avid bridge player. Elizabeth's love of life and wonderful sense of humour have touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed, especially by her daughter Joan. A celebration of her life will be held in THE CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, 33 Overland Drive, Toronto on Wednesday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m. A reception luncheon will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Church of the Ascension (M3C 2C3) or to the C.N.I.B., 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4G 3E8 would be appreciated by the family. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.