Obituary of Leonor Leon Laborde

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leonor Leon Laborde, on Thursday, February 4th, 2021 at the age of 90. Loving mother of the late Pamela Rosas (Sergio Mella), Lee Rosas Shapiro (Robert Cherry) and Isolda Rosas (Kevin Goddard). Cherished grandmother of Pamela Mella (Gerardo Casas), Rosa Laborde (Daniel Kidney), Sebastian Mella (Catalina Araya), Devora Shapiro (Mark Humphreys), Daniel Goddard (Liz Tarzwell), Alis Goddard (Elena Prokopenko) and great-grandmother of Beita Mella, Lila Casas, Dalia Humphreys, Eliana Humphreys and Kaila Kidney. Leonor grew up in Chile and raised a family of three strong, independent daughters. She was a dedicated educator and champion against social injustice, working tirelessly in support of disadvantaged students in her adopted town of San Jose de Maipo. After immigrating to Canada in 1973, she continued to devote her life to education, as a professor at the University of Ottawa and supporting other immigrant families struggling to establish themselves. She will always be remembered as an unstoppable force, courageous and committed to her family, friends and country. Outside of work she engaged in many projects focused on remembering the past in order to improve the future. She was a life-long learner eager to investigate many topics such as the influence of artists on the social and political struggles of Latin America. A devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, she passionately engaged the little ones in unique experiences like tree house tea parties, pet chickens, picnics, playing in the mud and her unique recipes for apple pie, empanadas and sopaipillas. She will be deeply missed. Many thanks to the ER and Intensive Care Unit physicians and staff at the Civic Hospital, particularly to her nurse, Shandra, who took exceptionally good care of her in her final days. Due to present restrictions, a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Her ashes will ultimately be brought to her final resting place in Chile beside her loving daughter Pamela. If desired, in memoriam donations to The Education Foundation of Ottawa would be appreciated. Online condolences may be shared at: www.heritagefh.ca