On the afternoon of December 29th, 2023, Lesley Middleton, aged 70, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 27th, 1953, in Toronto, Lesley was the beloved second daughter of Joan and Bill Pearse. Raised in Scarborough's West Hill area, she attended Mason Road P.S. and Highland Creek P.S., where she earned the title of Miss Posture Queen. Lesley was a sweet girl who loved to have fun with her family and friends, played many jokes and games, and always managed to sneak a new pet home to care for.

During her teenage years at Birchmount C.I., Cedarbrae C.I.'s arts program, and West Hill C.I., she met Vic, the love of her life. They married on a snowy December 15th, 1973, marking the beginning of a beautiful 50-year journey together.

Lesley's career began at Dominion as a cashier before she explored her artistic talents as a graphic artist at Southam. The births of Stacey in May 1978 and Jeffrey in December 1979 saw Lesley embrace motherhood while balancing childcare and freelance graphic art for Maclean-Hunter.

With the arrival of their third child, Ashley, in 1983, Lesley returned to work, this time as a graphic artist at The Pickering Bay News, until the newspaper ceased operations. She later joined Christie’s (now Mondelez), where she was known for her dedication to her job and customers. Everyone always knew she had a stash of cookies or Cadbury chocolate bars for a quick sugar fix.

Lesley cherished making memories with her family, from Christmas get-togethers and birthdays to vacations in Mexico Beach, Florida, and peaceful times at their Bobcaygeon cottage. She loved cooking, baking with her grandkids, playing Phase 10, dancing, and bowling. Known for her 'gift of gab,' she was always a phone call away for anyone in need of a chat, valuing every person in her life.

Retiring in January 2020, Lesley enjoyed her final years gardening, reading novels by Danielle Steel and Lesley Pearse, and socializing at the cottage. There was never a dull moment by the water with Lesley, with friends, family, or her grand puppies. Each day ended with a serene boat ride on Pigeon Lake with Vic, watching the sun set into a picturesque sky.

In our hearts, Lesley leaves behind beautiful memories, each one a cherished piece that will be profoundly missed. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and gratitude of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Lesley leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, remembered by her husband Victor of 50 years, her children Stacey (Tawfiq), Jeffrey (Angela), Ashley (Chris), her grandchildren Kaleb, Nyla, Miles, Maddox, Victoria, Charley, her sister Marla (Bill), and her adored grand puppies.

In line with her wishes, a private celebration of life will be held this summer at the family cottage in Bobcaygeon, complete with the release of Painted Lady butterflies, symbolizing hope, beauty, and resilience.

Instead of flowers, contributions to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Our deepest gratitude is extended to the medical team at Markham Stouffville Hospital for their unwavering support during her battle and to the Durham Region home care teams for their compassionate care in Lesley's final weeks. We are eternally grateful for your kindness and dedication.

Vic lovingly shares a final poem for his beloved wife:

Meeting you was fate,
Becoming your husband was a choice,
But falling in love with you was beyond my control.
In you, I found the love of my life,
You were, and always will be,
The best thing that ever happened to me.

Love always, Vic