Obituary of Lesley Anne Larrea
Lesley Anne Buchanan Larrea
January 16, 1972 – November 8, 2021
I was born on Sunday, January 16, 1972 in Powell River, BC to my mom Gertrud (nee Schreiber) and my dad David Allan Buchanan. I was an only child. (I am convinced it was because of my sheer perfection and my parents not wanting to have another child who could never possibly live up to me. I guess we’ll never know.)
After completion of high school, and the development of many lifelong friends, I left Powell River for big city life in Vancouver, BC, where I attended the University of British Columbia, completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Spurred on by my father, I moved to Halifax in the summer of 1996 to complete my graduate degree, a Masters in Health Services Administration at Dalhousie University in 1998.
After graduating from Dalhousie I had the distinct honour of working at the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations (NSAHO) in Bedford, NS. As a new healthcare professional this opportunity would cement both my passion for, and drive to serve in, long-term care. Moving to Prince Albert in 2001 afforded me the gift of working again in long-term care with the Prince Albert Health District. In 2009 I followed my heart to Mont St. Joseph Home, where I worked up until the untimely accident that ended all of my joys. To say that I loved my job was a gross understatement. Never in my wildest dreams could I have worked with, for, or among better human beings. This was my second home and a second family, not only to me, but to my children as well. I have never forgotten the gifts of compassion and kindness that were bestowed upon my family and I throughout my tenure, and especially during my absence after the accident.
It is my ask that you consider a donation to the Mont St. Joseph Foundation not in memory of me, but because the amazing residents who live there deserve the world.
My life changed in August 2003 when my eldest son, Ethan introduced me to motherhood. Born three weeks early and rather stubborn, his entrance into the world would change me forever. 2 1/2 years later, in March 2006, my beautiful daughter Ella arrived alongside a fairly demanding royal princessy aire.
On June 24, 2008 we said hello and goodbye to our angel Sera Anne Nycole who was born already wrapped in God’s loving arms. In August 2010, Sennett, otherwise known as the Ginja Ninja, completed the clan when he was finally evicted from my premises, almost two weeks late, with a full head of fiery orange hair. At that moment, my most precious gifts, my children, made me complete.
“Some people wait their entire lives to meet their inspiration. I gave birth to mine.” (Author unknown).
As the daughter of two extremely hard-working parents, I learned the values of tenacity and dedication to things that are important in life.
Growing up, that was piano, voice, and for a short time, flute. My love for piano began when my mom purchased the Yamaha piano that remains in our house today, and has travelled across Canada and back again to be alongside me no matter where I lived. The gift of music has been shared with each of my children, the most notably, Ethan, who continues to show his innate skill for soulful playing.
As a gregarious party planner, my mother taught me the fine art of putting on a good feast, always ensuring to prepare at least twice as much food as was needed. She embedded in my genetics her love for party planning, cooking and baking, and a few tightly guarded secret family recipes that were to become some of my family’s favourites. Not being one to be out done, I liked to take party planning to the next level and enjoyed not nearly enough over-the-top children’s birthday parties and special events.
And in true genetic form, Ella is destined to out party-plan even me. I am incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to travel many places over my life, my favourite being Hawaii. Sennett and I shared a special bond with turtles in Hawaii; you will always be my baby honu. I am also grateful for the many friends whom I treasure, in Powell River, the Maritimes, and of course the dear friends who have sustained my heart and soul in Prince Albert, across Saskatchewan, and around the world.
Predeceased by my daughter Sera, my parents, grandparents, all aunts and uncles on both sides, and many special people close to my heart. I am finally reunited with my first fur baby, Taffi. I leave behind my three most beloved treasures, my children Ethan, Ella and Sennett, and their father, Fernando. I also leave behind many cousins, including my dear Karen (Everett) and their son James. My special puppy Molly and her tiny brother Theodore will always be with me.
No service by request. Instead, hug your kids, enjoy a cup of hot coffee with Bailey’s, and do everything you can to preserve the dignity of those who are suffering. And please advocate for changes to our legal system to ensure those guilty of driving offences receive the penalty they deserve, for there can be no other earthly justice when someone is killed – either on scene or by heartache thereafter. My true date of death is the date of my accident, October 19, 2019; the day my world ended.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Lesley
Anne
Larrea 1972 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Prince-Albert, Province: Saskatchewan