LECKIE, IRENE - (November 11, 1916 – November 26, 2013) - It is with regret and sadness that we announce the death of Irene, who passed away peacefully and without pain at Chalmers Hospital. Predeceased by her father and mother Sany/Sam and Esther, brothers Norman and Leon (Byrtha), sisters Nessa and Ruth (Bill Stern), and niece Shayla Stern, she leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins across Canada. Irene had a good, long life. Born in Winnipeg, she went on to live with relatives in Kandahar, Saskatchewan and Calgary. She eventually became head of nursing at the University of Alberta hospital, and continued her studies in the States, at Columbia and Wayne State University, in Detroit. She moved to Fredericton in 1959, where she started the nursing program at UNB, along with three other founders. She became dean of nursing there and the first woman president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, eventually retiring as professor emerita in 1984. Irene was an active member of the Fredericton community, supporting Jewish causes, the theatre and local artists, UNB, and social causes, particularly in the areas of health, literacy and poverty. She loved the finer things in life – travelling, nice restaurants, fashion and mystery novels. She will be sadly missed by many friends, particularly Judy Clendenning and Boyd Ritchie, Eileen DuGuay and Larry Finkleman. The family wishes to thank the staff at Windsor Court Retirement Residence, who cared for Irene with the greatest respect and kindness, as well as staff at Chalmers Hospital.
Funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at McAdam's Funeral Home. Reception to be held at Windsor Court from 6 to 8 p.m., same day, where the family would be happy to welcome Irene's friends and colleagues from the community. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Irene to one of the scholarship funds she set up at UNB or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com