Mary Leach

Mary Louise Leach (nee Fraser) passed peacefully, December 31, 2025. She is survived by her two daughters; Leslie Leach, (David Thompson), and Catherine Leach Franklin, (Joseph Colasanti), and her wonderful five grandchildren; Kevin (Hannah Fenwick), Caroline, and Patrick Franklin, and Ian and Alex (Alexandra Stout) Thompson. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph Henry Leach (2019).

Mary was born April 26, 1933, to dairy farmers, Jack and Bessie Fraser, in Huttonville, Ontario. She is predeceased by her siblings, Betty June Stewart (RJ) and Jim Fraser. She is survived by her brother Jack Fraser and sister-in-law, Donna Fraser. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews and Shelley the cat.

Mary grew up in an established farming community supported by kith and kin. She graduated from MacDonald Institute in Guelph (Mac’55) with a degree in Domestic Science. At Guelph, she met the love of her life, Joe, (OAC’54) and they married October 8, 1955. Mary and Joe started their family in Huttonville, close to her parents’ farm, and Mary worked at Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton, as a registered dietitian.

Joe’s career move in 1966 to attain a PHD at the University of Aberdeen took the family on a new adventure and way of life in Scotland. While in Aberdeen, Mary taught Food Chemistry at the Robert Gordon Institute.

Returning to Canada in 1969, the family settled in Kingsville, Ontario, and Mary wasted no time in finding new employment at Riverview Hospital and IODE Prince Road hospital as a dietitian. She later became Head of Food Services at Windsor Western Hospital and was proactive in starting dietary clinics and counselling services in Windsor. She taught a few courses at The University of Windsor in Food Science and Management.

Always a fabulous cook, baker and hostess she decided on a later career move in the early eighties to open The Rose and Thistle Tearoom in Kingsville. With the slogan “A Bit of Britain in Your Own Backyard,” she successfully shared her love of good food and British customs, inspired by the many delightful places they encountered while in Aberdeen.

Serving the community was important for Mary and Joe. They worked on committees and groups to preserve historic buildings in Kingsville, including The Mettawas Railway Station, and were instrumental in initiating The Christmas House Tours to raise funds for Migration Hall.

Mary served as Regent of the I.O.D.E. Nora Hoover Chapter and joined several groups such as the Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Society, Erie Shores Quilters, local book clubs, and bridge groups. Mary served a term as a school trustee for the Essex County Board of Education. She was a member of the Kingsville Golf Course and Epworth United Church.

Mary and Joe travelled the world extensively and provided wonderful family experiences to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Mary will be missed by family, friends and the community.

If you wish, donations in her memory can be made to The Windsor Symphony Society (121 University Ave. W., Windsor, ON N9A 5P4), The Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor and Essex County (2135 Richmond St., Windsor ON N8Y 0A1), or a charity of your choice.

However, to pay sincere tribute to her dynamic, active, productive and creative life, we encourage you to remember her by making a fabulous meal from scratch, placing fresh flowers on your table, admiring a lovely quilt or needlepoint piece, or appreciating a beautiful garden.

Mary’s family is very grateful for the care she received from our PSWs these past few years. Thank you MaryAnne, Jennifer, Veronica and Charles. Thank you Tracey from The Look for making her beautiful every Thursday.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 1, 2026, at her home on 111 Division Street South, Kingsville, at 1 pm, followed by Afternoon Tea. More details will be available closer to the date. Arrangements entrusted to Kendrick Funeral Home, Kingsville.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.Kendrickfuneralhome.com.

Friday, May 1, 2026
1:00 pm

The Leach home
111 Division St. S. Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 1P5

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 1, 2026, at her home on 111 Division Street South, Kingsville, at 1 pm, followed by Afternoon Tea. More details will be available closer to the date.
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Donations

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The family has chosen to send donations to THE WINDSOR SYMPHONY SOCIETY
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Donate to Charity

The family has chosen to send donations to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF WINDSOR AND ESSEX COUNTY
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