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Charline LEITH Obituary
September 14, 1966 - August 1, 2012
Our beautiful and beloved Charline passed away peacefully with grace and dignity after a courageous fight against cancer. Charline was the epitome of style and had exquisite taste. Her encyclopedic knowledge and her gifted eye for interior design, fashion and quality were enviable and she always looked great. She was loyal, genuine, and generous. All her friends and relatives admired her and were inspired by her. Her strength was equal only to her heart that beat with love for all those around her right to the end. Charline is missed beyond measure by her husband Murray, sons Michael and Patrick, parents Bruce and Bernadette, brothers Sean (Taryn) and Blair (Chris), many aunts, uncles, cousins, and hundreds of friends. She was determined and brave and we all loved her sense of humour and zest for life. Charline was feisty and instilled strength, wanting us to be the best we could be. She sparkled no matter where she went. Her effervescence would instantly light up a room and the spirit of those around her. Charline was born and raised in Vancouver. She studied art history, traveled throughout Europe, and lived in London, England where she enjoyed her dream of working in high-end fashion, before returning to Vancouver. Among the many places she vacationed, Vaseaux Lake was a place close to her heart, where she would bring her own family in later years. She was devoted to her husband, Murray, and a life with him and her sons. She was very organized: her home, her boys, her clothes, her schedule and she continued to style and organize her life even to the end. Charline had a natural skill at making and retaining friendships, which reminded everyone of what really matters in life. To call Charline amazing is an understatement. We will never forget her gorgeous smile, beautiful hands, cute rounded face, and olive green eyes that were luminescent, unique to no one else but our dear Charline. Charline, our hearts are broken, but we will cherish our memories of you and go forward enjoying friends and family and embracing life. That's what you would want us to do. We would like to thank all those who helped to take such good care of Charline and her family. A vigil prayer service will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 8:00pm at St. Augustine's Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC. In lieu of flowers, buy yourself something fabulous.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
43 Entries
February 22, 2013
Hi Murray,
It has taken me a long while to write this. Your Charline was so beautiful. A light that will continue to shine in the sky every time that I look up into the dark night. She is such bright star for all of us. I pray for you and your boys and I know that you will always keep her beautiful spirit in your hearts and minds. I wish you all the most and best. Kathy Nakhleh
November 12, 2012
To the Hirtle and Leith Families,
I was so sorry to hear of the sad loss
of Charline. Her energy, kindness, warmth and inclusive nature lit up the room and everyone around her. We are lucky to have known her.
She leaves us too soon.
Wishing you all strength.
Laura Wallace
Whistler, B.C.
Gaye Dumas and Eddie Wong
September 22, 2012
I just learned of this news. Our family extends deep condolences to Murry and the boys. I had the privilege of becoming friendly with Charline for 2-years while our son's were in preschool. Her deep deep devotion to the boys and Murray was evident in every breath she took and, her “Raison d'être.” Her openness and warmth was contagious. She was a fireball of passion and had complete grace and beauty. She inspired me and all those around her. My prayers are with your family. We are all so deeply sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Hohmann Wood
September 17, 2012
I just heard the news and wanted to add my condolences to Murray and the rest of the Leith family, as well as to the Hirtles. I have fond memories with Charline, especially of when she came with me and my family to Hawaii in the fall of '78. I am glad to hear she had a wonderful life, albeit far too short, and I am grateful to have known her.
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Cari Tennant
September 16, 2012
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Charline's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Heather Neidig (Roscoe)
September 9, 2012
My heart goes out to the Hirtle and Leith families. Charline was a beautiful person and we are all blessed by having her in our lives.
September 5, 2012
I will always remember Charline as an incredibly devoted mother of her boys. She gave so much love to anything that was related to her boys. She found time to help with the boys' soccer (that's how we met), time to volunteer unlimited hours to the boys' school. She will always take the time to have a little chat in the school hallway and her smile will brighten my day. She lived life to the fullest and set an incredible example of how a mother should be: loving, selfless, encouraging, reliable, strong and especially fun. We feel blessed to have met Charline and her wonderful boys. We will continue to pray for Murray, Michael, Patrick and the rest of the family so God fills their hearts with strenght and peace while reminding them always of all the wonderful memories with Charline. We thank God for allowing our paths cross Charline's. Martha Arias and the Bradbury boys
Tara Brandt
August 11, 2012
Charline was such a beautiful person inside and out; I am deeply saddened to hear about this loss. Charline always left a big impression on everyone's hearts with her amazing style and smile....but the biggest impression she made on me was how to be a fantastic mother.
I used to take care of Michael and Patrick when they were babies before I had my own. I feel like she taught me so much about balancing everything in life while caring for a young family. And she always did it looking fabulous! I will never forget her generosity towards me. She always had encouraging words for me and we still have all the hand-me-downs from her boys, which I treasure!
I feel so lucky to have met her and to have been touched by her life.
Murray and the boys, we will be praying for you to be comforted during this difficult time.
Heather Pelz
August 10, 2012
There were fireworks the day you died.
Seemed apropos considering who you were,
To us all;
Bright and sparkling
I remember your hands,
And your love of bangles and bracelets stacked on both wrists.
Your eyes like a tiger; bright and piercing.
Your beautiful smile, warm like a hug.
I remember wearing that extra ‘something', hoping (knowing) you would notice;
Dancing all night long to Nearly Neil..
The perfect Chanel scarf to go with my outfit,
You, with impeccable taste.
Champagne, limos and the Stanley Park stars.
Naomi.
I will smile remembering all the laughs we shared,
The moments,
That were for just us girls. Your sisters.
I will miss your laugh and watching you care for your sons.
Soar my dear, dear friend, fly above us all;
Take care of each of us, if you can, when you can.
For we…will take care of yours.
You are forever in our hearts and when I look down,
At my own bangle, matching yours, it has a new charm.
To remind me of my friend, my sister.
It seemed apropos there were fireworks the day you died.
Bright and sparkling.
Like you.
Rose Lambert
August 10, 2012
Such a heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to all the family. You have so many amazing great memories of such a beautiful girl. God bless you all. Rosey
Stephanie MacDonald
August 9, 2012
I will always remember Charline as she was the last time I saw her at Maple Grove Pool: tanned, beautiful and ageless with relaxed warm smile and an infectious laugh, even while wrangling a herd of small children. Also, her hilarious eye-rolling and good-humoured indignation about whatever mortifying thing Sean was doing or saying at any given moment. She loved her family above all else, and with Murray, found a person worthy of her devotion. I feel very fortunate to have known such a wonderful woman, and heartbroken for her family. Many thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
John & Elaine Donaldson
August 9, 2012
We are so saddened by the news of Charline's passing. We have many fond memories of happy times with Charline and the family - the Bungalows Princess in Bucerias, shopping in old Puerto Vallarta, skiing at Silverstar, and visiting her in London where she was the "Duchess of Nassau" Street. We will miss you.
Lauren Donaldson
August 9, 2012
To The Hirtles & The Leiths,
Thank you for giving us all the gift of Beautiful Sharlina. She was the sunshine of "The Sunshine Gang". Vaseaux, Shuswap, The Vernon Lodge, Bucerias, Vancouver, London, Dusty's - Charline taught us that wherever you are, you had better have a smile on your face and look fabulous.
David and Janice Vanderwood
August 8, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Charline's passing. Although we have lost touch over the past decade, we speak often of and remember fondly our shared times together, such as a great ski trip to Silver Star. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Cathy & Joe Yong
August 8, 2012
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Charline. Our thoughts and prayers to you all at this very difficult time.
Rosemary Renix
August 8, 2012
My daughter, Lauren Gorgounis, has lost a very special friend. I cheered today that Lauren had pedicured her nails orange, Charlines's special color! I was fortunate to see the dear girl about 2 months ago. Rosemary Renix
August 8, 2012
Murray, we are all saddened by the loss of Charline. We will never forget her fabulous smile and her eagerness to laugh at the antics of the O'hagans! We love you all, Karen, Gilbert, Stephanie and Cameron Gregoire
Wayne & Inge-Lise Dannhauer
August 8, 2012
Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Charline - we will remember her cheerfulness and caring disposition along with all the good times we had at Vaseaux Lake. Our hearts go out to the Hirtle and Leith families. Take comfort in knowing that we are all better off having known Charline, her memory will always be lodged in our hearts.
Kiera Hindson
August 8, 2012
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about the loss of Charline.
Remembering her in our minds and in our hearts with thoughts of peace and courage for you.
Shannon Dolphin
August 8, 2012
My sincere condolences to you Murrary, Sean and Blair family and friends. She was truly a beautiful person. My love to each one of you during this time.
Jude Kusnierz
August 8, 2012
To Murray & Hirtle family, I am so saddened to hear about Charline. My heart breaks to think about how heartbroken you must all be. Charline was one of the most special beautiful people I've met to date.
Love, prayers & positive energy your way. Love from Jude & family.
Jessie & Spencer MacCosham
August 7, 2012
Murray, we have been thinking of you and your boys. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Louise, Bob and Louisette Quart, Coulombe
August 7, 2012
To the Leith and Hirtle families. So sorry to hear about your big loss. You are in our thoughts and we pray with all our hearts for all of you. We love you.
Jill Purdy
August 7, 2012
My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Charlline was obviously a very special girl. I am thinking about the entire Hirtle family plus Murray and the boys. Jill Purdy on Bowen Island
Bob Harrison
August 7, 2012
Jim Love and Bob Harrison wish to give you our heartfelt condolences and our thoughts are with you.
Donna Hurlburt
August 7, 2012
Dennis & I hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Dennis & Donna Hurlburt
Simone and Michael Hicks
August 7, 2012
To the Leith and Hirtle family. Our Love, Thoughts and Prayers are with you. We have shared many great moments together in the past and our hearts are filled with tremendous pain. We will never forget Charline, she will be always in our hearts. Michael, Simone, Jonathan and Christopher Hicks
John McCurrach
August 6, 2012
Murray, Michael, Patrick, Bruce, Bernadette, Sean and Tarryn. Blair and Chris.
Words can not express the feelings of remorse that I feel for you all at this time of great loss.
Charline was a unique individual that I am proud to have called a friend. I am able to look back over the last 40 years and remember memorable times spent with the Hirtles in Vancouver, at the Vernon Lodge (listening to Kirk Orr), at Shuswap Lake or the crazy summer holidays spent picking fruit in Oliver.
Michael and Patrick you are so lucky to have had a Mother that loved you and cared for you as Charline did. I hope that her warmth, style, love of family and love of life carries throughout your whole life.
Murray, you have lost an exceptional partner. Charline loved you and cared for you. She was strong, smart and a great part of a team.
Bruce and Bernadette, you have lost your only Chicken, your daughter and the mother of your only grand children.
Sean and Blair, you had a wonderful sister and a great friend. She was proud of you guys and loved you as much as any sister could love her brothers.
To the remaining members of the " Sunshine Gang" lets all take a moment and say a prayer for our friend Charline and remember all of the crazy times spent together - the peach cobblers, rides in the old blue station wagon at Vaseaux, treat money at the Totem Store and of course the never forgetful renditions of Rhinestone Cowboy at the Vernon Lodge.
Charline, you will be missed.
John, Carolyn and Catherine McCurrach
August 6, 2012
Bruce,Bernadette and family ... My sincere condolences.
Bruce Sutherland
Jennifer, John, Simon and Rachael Miles
August 6, 2012
Dear Murray, Patrick, Michael, Bruce, Bernadette, Sean and Blair
I read the beautiful words that so aptly captured Charline's spirit, style, strength, courage and zest for a fabulous life... I cannot fathom the enormity of your loss but in the coming days, weeks and months I hope that you are able to find strength in the love of family and friends (near and far).
Darin Nielsen
August 6, 2012
My heart goes out to the Hirtle family and to Murray and the boys. I knew Charline from being friends with Sean over 25 years ago, but there was truly something special about her I realized. She had a very jovial & kindhearted appearance about herself which reflected her inner beauty. She had a personality that was instantly likeable.
The beautiful obituary reflects that the personality she had over 25 years agos were shared amongst so many... especially with Murray and their children.
May Charline's amazing spirit continue on thru both families to help comfort you during this time, and for her memories to provide much strength in the future.
Jamie L.
August 6, 2012
I was so saddened to hear this news. She was such a wonderful, kind, selfless person. My thoughts are with Murray and their boys and the Hirtle family during this difficult time.
Candice Oliver
August 6, 2012
My thoughts are with you Murray and to your families. I am so sad to hear of Charline's passing - after her long struggle. I will always remember her with such fondness.Sending you love,
Hank Cunningham
August 5, 2012
Murray, my heart goes out to you and your sons.
I encourage you to take lots of time to reflect, remember and to recover.
Mary Pat DesRoches
August 4, 2012
Bernadette and family. I was so terrible sorry to get the sad news. I remembered her today at mass and will continue to keep you all in my prayers. I hope your wonderful memories will comfort you in these sad time. She sounded like an amazing girl. I wish I could have known her. Hugs to you all.
Janeen Patchell (Cucheran)
August 4, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear of Charline's passing. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends.
August 4, 2012
We were so sad to hear of your loss and that Charline's spirited struggle has come to an end. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that your entire family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief. She has left a wonderful legacy of family and friends.
Janine Cosgrove
August 4, 2012
It was with great sadness that learned of the passing of your beloved Charline. Reading this beautiful, perfect tribute brought back so many fond memories of her that will always make me smile. I can hear her voice and her infectious laugh; I can picture her giving an outfit a critical look and then adding a jacket and the right necklace to make it perfect; I recall the enviable chic of her first apartment. My prayers and condolences go out to all of you, I will always cherish my memories of Charline. So very sorry for your loss.
August 4, 2012
Our sincerest condolences Bruce and Bernadette. We did not know Charline but wish we did. Only time will mend your broken hearts and Charline will be with you for the rest of your lives. Love from Randy and Jo-Anne
Sheila Balatti
August 4, 2012
The Hirtle and Leith families
My heart went out to you immediately. With the passing of time, the huge, ragged hole in your heart will shrink and the edges will get smoother but the little hole will remain forever. Remember that Charline would want you to take one step at a time to get through the grieving period. Love and Hugs to all
Rebecca Moore (Bapty)
August 4, 2012
Heartbreaking loss, she was such a beautiful sole and will be sorely missed. My love, thoughts and prayers are with all of her family.
Shannon and Brad Newman-Bennett
August 4, 2012
She was a beautiful woman who will be missed and never forgotten. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Rick, Linda, Stephanie and Megan Hirtle
August 4, 2012
Words cannot express our sadness at Charline's passing.Charline will be missed by all the Hirtles in Salmon Arm. Much love to Murray, Michael, Patrick and Bruce and Bernadette and the rest of the close families.
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