Obituary of Melanie Janis Leslie

Melanie Janis Leslie (nee McWilliam) 1948 - 2017 It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family of Melanie Leslie announces her peaceful passing on Monday, November 6, 2017. Melanie was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 26, 1948 to her proud parents, Joseph John McWilliam and Esther Julia Wittig. Melanie's father was a member of the Royal Canadian Airforce and the family lived and traveled to many bases in her early years. Stops included Germany, France and England, as well as numerous bases here in Canada. Melanie had many stories from her childhood and was very proud of her military heritage. In her early adult years she lived and worked in Edmonton, Ft. McMurray and Calgary. She married Peter Petruic in 1974, her husband of 9 years and in 1977 their daughter Heather was born. They lived and worked in Calgary, then Kimberley for a short period before finally settling back in "Cowtown". In 1989 Melanie met Lyle Leslie and they became friends, partners and finally a couple. Melanie permanently returned to Kimberley in 2005, a place she truly called her home. She worked for much of her time here at Overwaitea Foods until she retired in 2014. Lyle joined her in Kimberley semi-retiring in the spring of 2017. Melanie was predeceased by both her parents, her brother Ronald McWilliam and her sister Deborah Gladish. She is survived by her loving daughter Heather Petruic, her partner Lyle Leslie, her sister Lorie Doucet, her sister-in-law Collette McWilliam, nieces Amanda Muir and Leah Anderson and nephews Christopher McWilliam, Nicholas McWilliam and Trevor Gladish. Melanie was widely known for her love of nature as a whole. She was an avid gardener and never was afraid to try to grow something that might not work. She raised numerous pets over her lifetime, all very special to her. She was a supporter of the BCSPCA financially and as both a volunteer and employee. Melanie was also an aspiring artist, painting numerous works including animals, birds and such, but she had a particular love for Christmas crafts. Melanie was known by many of her friends as "Melanie Doolittle" and "The Bird Lady of Kimberley". In memory of Melanie her family would ask that you consider a donation to the: BCSPCA, 1245 - 7th Avenue East, Vancouver, BC V5T 9Z9 or the: Kelowna Cancer Lodge, 2251 - Abbott Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1E2, or the: Canadian Cancer Society, #202, 105 - 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2M1. A celebration of Melanie's life and personal accomplishments will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com