62, Sydney

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of our mother, Anne Louise ‘Lou’ (MacDonald) Leith on Sept. 28, 2013, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

Anne Louise was born on July 16, 1951, in Sydney, N.S., to Hilda and Hector MacDonald.

She was the centre of her family, and a rock to her children, Amanda (Fred MacIntosh), Raie, Adrienne (Steve MacIsaac) and Andrew (Erin), who all love and cherish her. She was also the adored grandmother of Isabelle, Molly and Eleanor. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Anne Louise is survived by her mother, Hilda MacDonald; brothers, Alex (Valerie), Francis (Karen), Peter (Trish) and Danny (Dany); special cousins, Mary Catherine O’Donnell and Ann Marie MacDonald; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Anne Louise was predeceased by her husband, Alan Leith, father, Hector MacDonald, her sister, Mary Margaret Gillis and nephew, John-John Gillis.

Anne Louise married Alan Leith in 1973 and acquired the nickname Lou. She moved to Ontario in 1974 where her children were born, and where it is believed that she first told them to “go do something, even if it was wrong.” In 1988, she returned to Cape Breton with her family and reignited her passion for the island. Throughout her career, she was involved in promoting Cape Breton and particularly loved her work at Destination Cape Breton. Her dedication and commitment will be missed by friends and colleagues, particularly Caroline, Linda and Mary.
A tremendous presence in the lives of all who knew her, Lou was the strength and the glue that bound her family. With grace and dedication beyond measure, Lou gave her children and her mother the gift of unwavering support and the freedom to be independent.

Lou loved witty conversation, good books and great friends. She lived her life with rare passion and conviction, and had a wicked sense of humour that was admired by many but duplicated by none. She will be forever remembered, honoured and cherished by all who knew her, and especially by her children and grandchildren who will do their very best to keep her memory alive by reminding visitors that they don’t have to go home, but they can’t stay here.

Visitation for Lou Leith will take place at the Pier Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A graveside service to celebrate Lou’s life will be held at St. Andrew’s Parish Cemetery, Boisdale, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the family home in Sydney.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lou’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, the Cape Breton Palliative Care Service or the Victorian Order of Nurses.

We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in our mother’s care, including Dr. Khodadad, Dr. Butler, Dr. Ritter, Dr. Burns, Dr. Zwicker, the nurses at Palliative Care and the VON, in particular Karen MacDonald, David Crowe, Pat Morrison, Paul Letourneau, Lorne Pemberton, Laurie Mortimer, Beth Latham, Helen and many others who were so caring and dedicated to ensuring she was so well looked after.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Send an online condolence.

    

                        Online Condolences

So sorry for the loss of Ann Louise. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
From:  Theresa (MacDonald) Small, God-daughter to Hilda

Sending my prayers and thoughts to all "Lou’s" family and extended family, also going out to "Lou’s" mom, Hilda, may you find comfort in your prayers.
From:  Colleen MacLean

We at the Cheticamp Vistor Centre were saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a very special lady that we very much appreciated and got to know and love over the years. We will keep you all in our hearts and in our prayers in the days ahead.
From:  Cheticamp VIC staff

It was with true sadness that I learned of the passing of Lou who played a major part of my young life as being my first boss (Advantage Advertising) in the late 80’s. She was generous, encouraging and of course, had a great sense of humour. I can remember her laugh well and isn’t that a marvelous thing? I remember many stories of the family..Hilda loved playing darts, Danny…I think..was working up North? The kids were her pride and joy. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.I will remember her with warmness.
From:  Heather (Kennedy) MacIsaac

I would like to express my condolences to the family of Lou.
From:  Margaret Joyce

My deepest sympathy to Lou’s family.  I worked with Lou for several years at Budget and we had some very good times together.  Her sense of humour and dedication are the things I will remember the most.
From:  Pat Beck

It is with a heavy heart that I’m passing on my condolence’s in the loss of your mom. I met her many years thru her employment with Budget Car Rentals. Your mom and I spent many a night in our hotel room while attending meetings in Halifax for this company.Her humor, the way she could express herself and her kind words of wisdom to me will never be forgotten. We have lost a very special person. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers for the days to come!
From:  Debbie Hampsey

Our condolences to Anne Louise’s family, she was a wonderful person and will be remembered fondly. We will never forget the good times we had in Barrachois.
From:  Roy & Laurnice MacLeod

I am just heartbroken to learn of Anne Louise’s passing even knowing she was so unwell I have prayed for her every day that she would get well but God saw that it was time and gently called her Home. We started school together as the only two girls in Grade Primary at Boisdale School and have been friends since that time. I extend my deepest sympathy to her mom Hilda, her children, grandchildren, and brothers. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time that God gives you strength to ease your burden of loss. May precious memories of the time you each spent with her bring you comfort and healing. She will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. my dear friend. ~Peggy MacIntyre, Boisdale

Sending comforting prayers to Raie and her family during this difficult time of loss.
From:  Terre Moon

So sorry to hear of the passing of Anne-Louise.
Our deepest sympathy; Ann Marie(Drohan)and Sandy McNabb

Lovely Lou was my Visitor Information Centre buddy in Tourism. She taught me lots, kept me on my toes and challenged me to always do my best. I’ll miss her feistiness and fun. She was so loved and loved back. I’m proud to call her my friend. Wish I could be there today but I’ll connect later on.
Big hug to family and friends; April Hannah