Obituary of Vera Leavoy

Our "one-and-only" Vera passed away at Freeport Hospital, Kitchener in her 86th year on July 27th, 2013. She was born in Matheson, Ontario and later raised in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, daughter of the late Edward Raymond Leavoy and Bertha(Dobbs). Vera is survived by her sister, Irma Minaker of Sudbury and family, as well as her great niece Leia Minaker and family of Waterloo. Vera moved to 'the South" in the early '50s to work in the Kitchener office of Weston Bakeries. Her career took off in 1956 when she joined what would become the University of Waterloo. Vera was the University's first Research Grants Officer - a role that grew into International Programs Officer and took her to Ethiopia, Nigeria, an 18-month stint in Brazil and eventually retirement in 1990. All the while, Vera surrounded herself with art and antiques. She was a painter, a stained-glass artist and a connoisseur of wine and good friends. Vera will be lovingly remembered by the Briant, Fawcett and Fischer/Dodds families and her honourary children: Laura and Douglas Briant, Jane and Nancy Fawcett, and Wayne, Gary, Susan and the late Rick Fischer. Loving friends, cousins and family will hold dear in their hearts fond memories of special times only someone like Vera could make happen. Cremation has taken place and at Vera's request, there will be no service or visitation. A memorial service for close friends and family will be arranged at a later date. Donations in Vera's honour can be made to World Vision Canada (worldvision.ca) or through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. Special thanks to staff in Freeport's Palliative Care unit and volunteer, Ian McGee, for Vera's wonderful end of life care. Thanks to everyone who helped with meals, provided support and held Vera's hand at the end of her journey. A FRIEND HEARS THE SONG IN YOUR HEART AND SINGS IT TO YOU WHEN YOUR MEMORY FAILS.