In memory of
Leslie Clarie Masterson
July 7, 1943 - December 27, 2024
In Loving Memory
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie Masterson, who passed away peacefully at the age of 81 at North York General Hospital on Friday, December 27th. Leslie was the beloved wife of the late Jim Masterson, devoted mother to James (Heather), Kelly (Neil), and Michael (Paige), cherished grandmother to Tyler, Sarah, and Lauren, and dear sister to John (Barb) and Susan (Peter).
Born on July 7, 1943, in Brandon, Manitoba, Leslie was the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Marnie) Cunningham. She grew up in Strathroy, Ontario and later attended the University of Western Ontario, where she met her future husband, Jim Masterson. The two were married in Strathroy on August 27, 1966, before beginning their life together in Toronto, where Leslie embarked on a distinguished career as a high school teacher. Over the years, she taught at Courtice High School, Royal York Collegiate, and Dunbarton High School in Pickering, where she left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.
In 1968, Leslie and Jim discovered a piece of land on Crane Lake, where they camped during summers until building a cherished family cottage in 1974. Crane Lake became a sanctuary of joy, family, and countless memories, embodying Leslie’s love for the outdoors and her commitment to creating a special place for her children.
The Masterson family’s first home on D’Arcy Magee Crescent in West Hill, purchased in 1971, became the foundation of lifelong friendships with neighbours who became like family. Leslie’s warmth and kindness radiated in her relationships, and she maintained these bonds even after moving to The Donway Apartments in 2016.
Leslie’s family expanded with the births of James (1970), Kelly (1975), and Michael (1980). Tragically, her life was forever changed in 1982 when Jim passed away unexpectedly. Despite this immense loss, Leslie exhibited extraordinary resilience, raising her three children with unwavering love and strength.
Summers at the Crane Lake cottage and winters spent learning to ski at Kirby provided endless adventure and connection for the family. Leslie embraced new experiences, including learning to ski in her 40s, and dedicated herself to fostering her children’s passions and education.
Leslie retired from teaching in 2004, after a fulfilling career that inspired countless students. In her retirement, she treasured the simple pleasures: morning coffee on her porch, evening walks with dear friends, and summers at the lake, surrounded by family and friends. Visits from her siblings, afternoon gatherings on Blackstone’s rocks with the Stainton’s, Gee’s, and McGarry’s were constants that enriched her life.
A proud advocate of education, Leslie celebrated her children’s and grandchildren’s academic achievements. She often recounted her unforgettable trip to Japan to visit Kelly, an adventure that illuminated her love for discovery and connection.
Leslie’s life was defined by her boundless love for her family, her enduring friendships, and her reverence for the beauty of nature. In her passing, we take comfort in imagining her reunited with her beloved Jim and others who passed before her, sitting dockside in heaven with a backgammon board and the lake sparkling in the distance.
A celebration of Leslie’s remarkable life will be held this coming Spring with details to follow.
Leslie Masterson leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories that will forever be held close by all who knew her.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie Masterson, who passed away peacefully at the age of 81 at North York General Hospital on Friday, December 27th. Leslie was the beloved wife of the late Jim Masterson, devoted mother to James (Heather), Kelly (Neil), and Michael (Paige), cherished grandmother to Tyler, Sarah, and Lauren, and dear sister to John (Barb) and Susan (Peter).
Born on July 7, 1943, in Brandon, Manitoba, Leslie was the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Marnie) Cunningham. She grew up in Strathroy, Ontario and later attended the University of Western Ontario, where she met her future husband, Jim Masterson. The two were married in Strathroy on August 27, 1966, before beginning their life together in Toronto, where Leslie embarked on a distinguished career as a high school teacher. Over the years, she taught at Courtice High School, Royal York Collegiate, and Dunbarton High School in Pickering, where she left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.
In 1968, Leslie and Jim discovered a piece of land on Crane Lake, where they camped during summers until building a cherished family cottage in 1974. Crane Lake became a sanctuary of joy, family, and countless memories, embodying Leslie’s love for the outdoors and her commitment to creating a special place for her children.
The Masterson family’s first home on D’Arcy Magee Crescent in West Hill, purchased in 1971, became the foundation of lifelong friendships with neighbours who became like family. Leslie’s warmth and kindness radiated in her relationships, and she maintained these bonds even after moving to The Donway Apartments in 2016.
Leslie’s family expanded with the births of James (1970), Kelly (1975), and Michael (1980). Tragically, her life was forever changed in 1982 when Jim passed away unexpectedly. Despite this immense loss, Leslie exhibited extraordinary resilience, raising her three children with unwavering love and strength.
Summers at the Crane Lake cottage and winters spent learning to ski at Kirby provided endless adventure and connection for the family. Leslie embraced new experiences, including learning to ski in her 40s, and dedicated herself to fostering her children’s passions and education.
Leslie retired from teaching in 2004, after a fulfilling career that inspired countless students. In her retirement, she treasured the simple pleasures: morning coffee on her porch, evening walks with dear friends, and summers at the lake, surrounded by family and friends. Visits from her siblings, afternoon gatherings on Blackstone’s rocks with the Stainton’s, Gee’s, and McGarry’s were constants that enriched her life.
A proud advocate of education, Leslie celebrated her children’s and grandchildren’s academic achievements. She often recounted her unforgettable trip to Japan to visit Kelly, an adventure that illuminated her love for discovery and connection.
Leslie’s life was defined by her boundless love for her family, her enduring friendships, and her reverence for the beauty of nature. In her passing, we take comfort in imagining her reunited with her beloved Jim and others who passed before her, sitting dockside in heaven with a backgammon board and the lake sparkling in the distance.
A celebration of Leslie’s remarkable life will be held this coming Spring with details to follow.
Leslie Masterson leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories that will forever be held close by all who knew her.