Leila Yvonne Hunter

Mom died.

Leila Yvonne Hunter was born on October 3, 1938, on the Manitoulin Island, to Mary Viola Mercer (Sagle) and Dewey Mercer. She grew up on the west arm of lake Nipissing. She was the middle child, and like all middle children, was extraordinary. (Llewella Velma Elena, predeceased; and Linda Leanna). Mom’s education was not institutional as she was dyslexic. Rather she learned farm craft at her father’s side. She was talented in many ways, artistry being the one thing she is most remembered for. She painted many beautiful works. She illustrated a cookbook for the Monetville Women’s League. When she met my father (Kenneth Jelley, predeceased) she spent some time getting to know him, and teaching about the church and Christ as she knew Him, before they were married. She loved to dance and won a few contests. She grew a family of four children. Myself (Cheryl Kathryn), Christopher Arthur Cecil, Alan Scott , and Kevin Mark (predeceased). Family life proved difficult for Dad, so they were divorced. But after a few tough years of being a single parent she found another wonderful partner (Philip Walter Hunter, predeceased) who shared her Christian values, and helped her raise her growing teens. Mom spent years by his side, as he pastored the Barrie Congregation of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was the Women’s Group Leader for many years, and also completed many Temple School courses.

There came a time that mom started showing active symptoms of Huntington Disease. She became a resident of Grove Park Home, and through amazing care was able access resources that helped her meet a goal of living a life of meaningful life, one of joy. After 21 years, the staff at Grove Park Home remember her as a ray sunshine.

Mom went to her reward, at 12:06 February 1, 2025, and leaves her sister Linda, her daughter, Cheryl, her sons Chris and Alan, as well grandchildren, Robert Travis, Scott Hudson, Jeffrey Hunter, Jesiah Hunter and Avery Hunter to mourn her passing.

She is a force that will be missed.