Mary Lita Kirkwood (nee Pilon) known as Leta, born on July 9th 1931, passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday May 14th 2026, just shy of her 95th birthday.
Leta was predeceased by her beloved husband, Norman (2003), and her son, Steven (2020). She is lovingly adored and remembered by her sons, Rick (Samantha), Randy (Deb), and Gary (Marion).
She was a cherished grandmother to Jason (Kyla), Sarah (Jason), Eric, Christopher, Steven (Clara), Amanda (Ben), Alisha (John), Matthew (Lydia), Mitch (Leah), Maxwell, Alyson, and was predeceased by granddaughter Miranda (2015). Leta was also a proud great-grandmother to 21 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Leta is survived by her brother Ed and was predeceased by her brother Lawrence and her parents. She also held a special place in the hearts of her dear friends that are family Eleanor and Paul Collins & Judy McGaw, along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives she touched.
Leta devoted many years of service to the University of Guelph before retiring and moving to their lakeside home in Ompah, Ontario. There, she remained actively involved in her community until 2019, when she returned to Guelph to be closer to her family.
Cremation has taken place in the care of Wall-Custance Funeral Home. A celebration of life and interment will be held at a later date in Ompah, where Leta will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Norm.
A generous and heartfelt thank you from the family to the many Doctors and Nurses of the Guelph General Hospital that supported with such compassionate care for Leta in her last days.
Donations in Leta’s memory may be made to a charity meaningful to her community in Guelph or Ompah.
