Leeta Marilyne DRINOVZ

DRINOVZ Leeta Marilyne January 18, 1937 - October 26, 2009Born of sturdy Danish dairy-farming stock in pre-war New Zealand, in her late adolescence Leeta roamed the world, widening her gorgeous green eyes in Sydney, London and New York before settling in Vancouver in 1956. She met her husband Albert, a strong Nova Scotian and began a family: first Richard, husband to Kathy, and then Yvonne, fiance?e to Jamie. Leeta was a formidable homemaker who was a very creative knitter, dress maker and baker. She loved to read and enjoyed indoor and outdoor fitness activities. She truly loved new learning experiences- she embraced them with gusto and encouraged her family to do the same. Leeta took pleasure participating as a volunteer for school events, community organizations including the Sunset Figure Skating Club (which she founded), the YMCA and the nearest United Church. While she worked for several Lower Mainland law firms over the years, she became an astute real estate investor, which allowed her to pursue numerous travel adventures. Leeta is also survived by her grandsons Chris, Tim and Sam whom she adored and encouraged with unflagging support, her cousin Shelagh Klassen, and in New Zealand, her sister Terry Nuttall and stepbrothers Robin, Kevin and David Watt. We felt great sadness for Leeta to see her suffering through Alzheimer 's Disease but whose wit could always pick us up. She always wanted the very best for her family- this was Leeta, and why we love her and miss her so very much. Our family would like to thank the staff of CrossReach and Arbutus Care Centre for their extraordinary assistance and support. A family service was held in celebration of Leeta. Donations can be made in Leeta's name to the Alzheimer's Society. Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 11/2/2009