Our Deepest Condolences

Lois Evelyn Leitch
January 4, 1931 - February 20, 2024

It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lois Leitch (Batchelor) on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Dufferin Oaks, Shelburne, Ontario. Lois is survived by her children, Melanie Leitch, Allen Leitch & Suzee Kennedy, Heather & Greg Holmes, grandchildren - Jonathan & Ange Leitch, Jessica (Leitch) & Kirk Goudie, Tyler & Lisa Kennedy, Mallory (Holmes) & Zach Caldwell, Lisa (Holmes) & Marko Mladenovic, and 15 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband of almost 70 years, Dennis and son Randy & wife, Freda. Lois is the oldest sister to Leone Wight, Margaret Hunter, Stanley (Jean) Batchelor, Bessie (Ron) Green, Gail (Lindsay) Clarke. Predeceased by her parents, John & Vera Batchelor, sister Jean Fraser, and brothers-in-law, George Wight, George Hunter and Kelvin Fraser.

Lois was born and raised in Proton Township, attending school, church, and farm related activities. She met her husband Dennis (from Honeywood) through a Junior Farmer event, and they were married in September 1950. They bought a farm on the Mulmur/Melancthon Townline, where they farmed everything, from livestock, crops, and acres of strawberries for 54 years, raised their family, and supported their community. While raising 4 children, Lois was actively involved with her church, volunteered for the Cancer Society, and wrote weekly newspaper columns for the community. She helped with the publicity and commemorative history books for Honeywood arena, hockey tournaments, and Mulmur Township. She led local 4-H homemaking clubs, was a board member for the Honeywood Figure Skating Club, and the Shelburne and District Agriculture Society. She became active at both the District Fair level, and then the Provincial level of the Agriculture Association, being President of the Ladies division. This involved a lot of travelling throughout the province. She attended at least 52 agricultural fairs in one year! The five grandchildren always enjoyed going to reunion at Ziontario every summer with Gramma and Aunt Melanie. Travelling was always a memorable event for Lois and Dennis. Trips were taken across Canada, many American states, Cuba, and they enjoyed a lot of sightseeing while active members of the Ontario Flying Farmers. Friendships were made everywhere.
 
After the sale of the farm and a move into their new house in Shelburne, Lois and Dennis enjoyed their retirement, seeing their grandchildren all married, and celebrating the births of several great-grandchildren. Lois’s physical health made travel and movement very difficult, and her deteriorating memory made for some interesting conversations! Lois moved into Dufferin Oaks Home in the spring of 2017, with Dennis joining her shortly after. Both were comfortable there, enjoying the activities, staff, and the support given during their time as residents of Dufferin Oaks. The family greatly appreciates the Oaks family and 3rd floor staff for their personalized care and assistance over the past years.
 
After the passing of Dennis in May 2020, Lois continued to enjoy the Oaks, visits with family and friends, but certainly missed her soul mate, Dennis. Lois will be buried, alongside Dennis, at The Community of Christ Cemetery, #225603 Southgate Road 22, Dundalk (formerly Proton Township). Full circle, the cemetery is right beside the church that Lois attended as a child and was married in! The family are invited to attend the burial of Lois, on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Friends are invited to join the family for a Celebration Service for both Lois and Dennis on Friday, May 3, 2024 in the New Horizons Room, 167 Centre Street, Shelburne (Entrance E). Words of remembrance will be shared at 1:30 p.m. with a time of fellowship after. If desired, donations to Ziontario Camp, World Accord, Dufferin Oaks or Honeywood Arena would be appreciated.

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