SHEILA ANN LEAMEN

(nee Hutchison) (1943-2025) In Ottawa, on August 28, 2025. Predeceased by her mother and father, M.M. and Jack Hutchison. Loving mother of Blair Leamen (Tanya Carter); and step-grandmother to Reubyn Carter (Emily Berndorf) and Stella Carter. Much loved sister of John Hutchison (Sally) and Joan Lenczner (Alan). Adored by her nieces and nephews, Andrea Lenczner, Erica Lenczner, Gillian Wells, Elizabeth Hutchison, Matthew Lenczner and Christopher Hutchison. Sheila was born in Montreal. At eight, she moved to Hudson, Quebec, for five years, before moving to Mexico City ('57 - '59), then Paris, France ('60 - '61). She attended UNB ('61 - '64) and finished her education at McGill ('64 - '65). She taught in Montreal till '68, before moving to Toronto to teach. It was there she met her husband and bore her son, before moving to Ottawa in 1974, where she lived the rest of her life. She loved and was loved by her oft eristic family. She had great friends, a tremendous love for the dogs of her life and the walks they all shared. She was a sublime cook, with a high bright laugh. She was smart, stunning and funny. She loved food, clothes, poetry and the New Yorker. She was complex. The second half of Sheila's life was spent negotiating the struggles of mental health. Her final diagnosis was schizophrenia, to which she proved to be intensely treatment resistant. That said she benefited tremendously from the social workers, psychiatric doctors and nurses of the Royal Ottawa. Big love to those who are called to give care and quality of life to those afflicted by mental illness. Your work is the work of angels. You are civilizations champions and to be praised. The Montfort residence also cared for her and treated her with dignity. A celebration of Sheila's life will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Ottawa, October 3rd, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowersm please consider giving to info@salusottawa.org. A loving heart will weigh less than a feather. For all who suffer disease and indignity, 'there but by grace of God go I.'