Obituary of Leisha Nazarewich

Leisha Christine Nazarewich

February 12, 1943 - January 21, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leisha Christine Nazarewich on January 21, 2025 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. 

Leisha was born in Toronto ON on February 12, 1943 to Martha (nee Hrycyna) and Peter, both having predeceased her. She is the loving sister of Nadine and Mark (Claudia) and special Chocha to Erin (Robert), Adam, Patrick, Amy (Brian) and Olivia (Zach).

Leisha was a beloved daughter, cherished sister, much loved Chocha, cousin, scholar, teacher, student and friend to many. 

Leisha studied English and history at the University of Windsor, earning an Honours degree in 1965.

She then went to the Ontario College of Education (Toronto) earning her teacher’s certificate and returned to teach, first at Massey Secondary School, then Riverside Secondary School, and finally Forster Secondary School, her alma mater, from where she retired in 2001. 

During her teaching career, she gave of her time to become involved in school related extracurricular activities including as a teacher sponsor of the yearbook and the Reach for the Top team and helped organize cabaret nights.

She became active in the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, serving as president of District 1 and in a variety of executive positions until the end of her career. She was also a Provincial Councillor and member of several OSSTF provincial committees and a governor of the Ontario Teachers' Federation. 

Her quest for learning never ceased. 

After earning her Bachelor of Arts and teaching degrees she went on to earn a Masters in English and obtained a law degree from the University of Windsor.

Leisha’s commitment to her community was boundless. She served many causes and volunteered to sit on the boards of many local organizations and committees. 

She was a member of the Windsor Public Library board and also served as its chair.

She served as President of the Windsor Historic Sites association and secretary of the Museum Volunteer Group.

Her volunteer service extended to the Ukrainian community and she was proud of her Ukrainian heritage. She served as chair of her church council, President of the Ukrainian Women's Organization, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and president of the Ukrainian Canadian Business and Professional Association. She assisted with and spearheaded the building of a new Ukrainian Catholic church, the building of a monument to commemorate the famine genocide in Ukraine 1932 - 33, and with an exhibition focusing on local Ukrainian families at Windsor's Community Museum. 

After retiring from teaching with the Windsor School Board she continued to teach Ukrainian to adults.

She loved to travel, read a good book, watch mystery shows on tv, see live theatre, attend the Windsor Symphony and promote a good cause.

Her family extends its heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, nurses, staff and doctors at The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County for the extraordinary care and compassion she received while a resident of Hospice’s Windsor residence. Your care made her final journey comfortable and allowed her to enjoy the company of family and friends. They also thank the nurses and staff at Windsor Regional Hospital and Devonshire Home for Seniors for caring for her on several occasions during her illness. 

To the many friends who visited her during the too short time from her diagnosis to her death, we cannot adequately express our gratitude for making her remaining time on this Earth enjoyable. She loved your stories and reminiscing with you.

Visitation will take place at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home Central Location (519-253-7234), 1700 Tecumseh Road East (near Kildare Road), Windsor, Ontario on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 3 PM until 5 PM and 7 PM until 9 PM. Panakhyda (prayers) at 7:30 PM

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, visitation will be available at Sts. Vladimir & Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church, 601 Lake Trail Dr., Windsor, ON from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service which will begin at 11 AM. Burial to follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens.

In memory of Leisha, donations may be made to Hospice of Windsor Essex or Sts. Vladimir and Olga Church. Online condolences and cherished memories can be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com