Obituary of Leslie Ellen Allen

ALLEN, Leslie Ellen – Age 75, of Conquerall Bank. We are sad to announce that on August 18^th, 2025, the world lost a wonderful lady. Leslie Ellen Allen passed away after battling a short illness at South Shore Hospital, Bridgewater. Born September 2^nd, 1949, she is the daughter of the late, John and Myra Hammond.

Leslie’s early years were spent travelling throughout Canada with her family for her father’s work as a construction superintendent and start-up manager in the nuclear power industry. This is where her love of the Canadian north began to develop, culminating in her owning her own little piece of nature with a cabin in the Muskokas. After graduating high school, Leslie went on to study nursing and then applied these skills toward being an integral part of establishing a new occupational therapy program at Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, where she enriched the lives of all whom she shared her time, patients and staff alike.

Upon leaving this career to focus on starting a family, she dedicated all her time and energy to creating the best environment to raise her children. She was a loving and caring mother who had so much to give that she again rejoined the workforce at Sheridan College Child Care Facilities, where she managed the kitchen, as well as teaching programs to the children. At the same time, she was also able to find time to teach evening courses in nutrition and food handling at the college. Leslie was a selfless person, always wishing to help and give. To that end, she volunteered at Syl Apps Youth Correctional Detention Facility, working with those in need. She also gave her time working with those with special needs in one-on-one community socialization programs. Leslie was always a passionate artist regardless of medium. She produced gallery level pieces in glass blowing, stone and wood carving, clay sculpturing, crafts, floral arrangements and many more too countless to mention.

Once retired, Leslie and her husband moved to Nova scotia, where she continued with her artistic flair and drive by setting up her own studio where she found new happiness in painting using acrylics. She was an accomplished painter with many paintings sold throughout the province as her talent and creativity shone through every work she produced.

Leslie’s favourite saying that she would use quite often was “as long as people always hold on to you in their hearts and minds, you will live forever”. As we will continue to do, we encourage you to help make this belief a reality for her. Her love, compassion and inspiring attitude was not only infectious but continued to shape each and every new person that she came in contact with. To all that she met, Leslie was unforgettable but to her family she was their engine. Leslie was the foundation that her family was built upon, the rock that grounded them all and the tie that bound and held everyone together.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Rodney Allen; brothers, Jerry, Paul, Peter and Derek; as well as her sister, Sydney. She was also the proud mother of two boys, Charles and Richard; and grandmother to Kai and River.

Due to her having countless causes, if you wish to offer any financial memorial in her name, we encourage you to donate to the cause that you feel it will do the most good, as helping anyone in need was Leslie’s drive and her life’s dedication.

We have chosen to honour her memory with a Celebration of her Life at a later date instead of a memorial service, and she will be sent back to Muskoka to be placed amongst the woodlands that brought her so much happiness in life, as her final resting place.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater.

To a woman who made a such a positive impact on so many lives, Leslie, you will be forever loved, respected and never forgotten.