ForeverMissed
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Leeola Franceen Shatz, aka "Lee", "Mom", "Grandma", and "Grandma Lee" was born on February 25, 1949 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to the late Harvey and Gloria (Levin) Shatz.

Lee was a teacher for years and was also a wonderful mother and grandmother. She had a quirky spunk about her and a bubbly personality. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and usually gave her opinion because she cared. Honest, loving and protective come to mind when describing Lee.

Lee fought a long and courageous five year battle with ovarian cancer. She passed away at 6:30AM on September 21, 2011 at the Elisabeth Bruyere hospice in Ottawa.

She is survived by her daughter Kathy and son-in-law Matt Vieau of Kanata, Ontario, and their two children Devyn and Blake.

She is also survived by her son Brian and daughter-in-law Abbe of Debert, Nova Scotia, and their two children Olivia and Benjamin.

She is also survived by several aunts and uncles in Montreal, as well as extended family and dear friends.

Many thanks to the wonderful nurses at the hospice who helped Lee in her final hours. They helped her to go peacefully and with dignity.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service upon request. Donations in Lee's memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Ovarian Cancer Canada or to the Elisabeth Bruyere Hospice.

(Lee didn't have a formal obituary. This was written by her daughter-in-law, Abbe as a final tribute.)

September 29, 2022
September 29, 2022
Miss you mom. Can't believe you're still gone.
September 22, 2022
September 22, 2022
I miss you Lee . Wish you were here to see how my life has been great , thanks to the kids who miss you as well. We speak about you with fond memories
September 21, 2018
September 21, 2018
On the anniversary of your passing , I remember your ever present smile, and your love for life . I miss you - those long telephone conversations, sudden decisions to come to Montreal , and turning these visits into a sleepover...fun times . The kids remember you with love and fond memories.life goes on ,yet I wish you could be here to meet my little Gabriel ,already 14 months ,and a bundle of endless energy .I am enjoying retirement ,yet it would be more fun if you were still here. I remember our conversations when we would talk about our old age , and how much fun we would have racing our walkers or wheelchairs up and down the corridors in the seniors residence.For me , old age is still a long way , so this isn't a somber tribute , but a silent conversation with you. I want you to save a comfy cloud for me ,yet you will have to wait quite a while before we become neighbours!!!! I miss you Leedle Dee
September 22, 2017
September 22, 2017
Thinking of you Leedle Dee, andI can't believe that it is now 6 years! I miss you. I know your spirit is with us all who love you. Life continues , and I am now known as Grandma! Anna and her husband, Oscar gave birth to the most beautiful boy, Gabriel. in JulyThe deep love a grandparent has for their grandchild is unmeasureable as you truly understand .The three kids talk about you all the time and miss your bubbly smile. Now Heaven has been given the honors of your presence, and with every sunny day here on earth, I know one of those rays of sunshine is you smiling down on your family and friends.
September 27, 2016
September 27, 2016
Leedle Dee I'm thinking of you today, wishing you were still here to share the wonderful news about my Annalyssa. She was married on the 24th of September, and we all wished that you could be there to celebrate. I am sure that you were there in spirit. We all miss you very much, and we speak about you on many special occasions. Is Heaven treating you well?!!! I miss your wonderful smile, and I thank God for having given me your friendship, one I will never forget Love you Leedle Dee.
February 28, 2015
February 28, 2015
I know I am late to physically wish you Lee, Happy Birthday(Feb 25th) but you were certainly on my mind and in my heart. I hope that that gold cloud is comfortable and that you are happy! I miss you . T'is the weekend and I wish you were here to share good times and lots of laughter. Cathy and Brian, my prayers are with you.
September 21, 2014
September 21, 2014
My special friend, Lee,
I'm thinking of you and the family this, the 3rd anniversary of your passing.I miss that special laugh, the smile, and everything that made Lee that special person you were .I miss those late night talks on the phone .Kathy and Brian, may your lives be enriched with all the loving memories that you have of your Mother, and may your lives and love of family be a blessing because nothing can ever replace the unending love a Mother has for her children. Love you Leedle Dee.
October 22, 2013
October 22, 2013
Dear Grandma Lee, I really miss you. I think of you every day. I know that Devyn and Blake miss you too. For Halloween I'm going as a Chinese ninja with a black sword and ice numchuks. Ben is going as a blue ninja. I'm liking French immersion so far. xoxo Olivia
September 22, 2013
September 22, 2013
Hi Lee, Olivia will write something to you soon. This weekend was Fall Fair here and Brian took Olivia to a fun farm today for a bit. She got to ride a horse, milk cows, play in hay, a lumberjack carved her something in wood..lots of fun. Then we went for Chinese food. Hope you're looking down on them and smiling. xoxo
September 21, 2013
September 21, 2013
My Sweet Lee,
I'm thinking of you today on the 2nd anniversary of your passing. I miss our conversations and your visits to Montreal, the laughter and tears we both shared. I am sure that your cloud of gold shines today, because you truly deserve it. The love of a special friend can never be forgotten. Love you Leedle Dee
September 19, 2013
September 19, 2013
Hi Lee,
Saturday will be two years since you have been gone. A lot has changed, but I'm sure you know that. Olivia's in grade 3 now and doing very well with French Immersion. Benjamin just started grade 1 and his teacher says he's reading at a very advanced level. Brian's enjoying his new job and is thriving. Please smile down on them. Thanks
May 11, 2013
May 11, 2013
Hi Lee, just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day. I know Brian misses you and I hope you're watching down on Olivia and Benjamin and are very proud.
February 24, 2013
February 24, 2013
Your birthday is tomorrow, Lee. You would be 64. I know you're looking down and smiling on Brian, Olivia and Ben. Hope you are proud of all that they have accomplished and continue to support them. I wish I could call to sing you Happy Birthday like you always did for each of us, first thing in the morning. <3
September 23, 2012
September 23, 2012
Dear Lee, I miss you so much. I miss our conversations, I miss your voice, your laughter, your presence. I can't believe that a year has gone by since you left us. You are on my mind almost every day...I promised you that I would always tell Devyn and Blake how much you loved them and this is a promise I shall always keep. Love is a flower that blooms in all seasons and for all time. xo
September 23, 2012
September 23, 2012
my dearest friend Lee, I can feel your presence here with me, yet I wish I could see that special person and hear your sweet voice,and that laugh. Anna,Heidi and Brandon love and miss you as well.I know that God has given you your wings, because I feel a gentle breeze around me when I think of you. Miss you and love Leedle Dee.
September 21, 2012
September 21, 2012
A year today. I know you're watching over both your kids and all of your grandchildren. You are missed and we will honour your memory today, Lee.
September 15, 2012
September 15, 2012
Lee it's been almost a yr. You would be so proud. Brian has been managing the store for almost 4 months. Olivia loves her new school-she's in grade 2! This town is great and I hope you're watching over both of them and smiling down. We miss you.
September 15, 2012
September 15, 2012
I miss you very very very much. I have 18 kids in my class this year. I am starting art lessons soon and Brownies and Mommy is going to be a Brownie leader. Next year I want to do baseball. I'm starting gymnastics soon too. I am going to be a cowgirl for Halloween and Ben started school too. He's doing good. He's going to be Mario for Halloween. I wish I could hug you right now.
September 15, 2012
September 15, 2012
Dear Grandma Lee, I miss you. Daddy runs a petstore now. I like my new school. I have lost six teeth now. I have two more kitties now and three more rats. My teacher is named Mrs. Dennett. She is very nice. I am working on a book from school called Goldie. It's a chapter book. I miss playing the fruit and vegetable game with you and the airplane game. I love you very much.
May 21, 2012
May 21, 2012
Dear Lee...it's been 8 months since you left. I made a collage of photos in a frame for Livvy's room for her bday. The last photo of you and her is in it. She cried and kept gazing at it. She said it was the most important photo in the collage. <3
April 1, 2012
April 1, 2012
Dear Lee, today is my 32nd birthday and it's also the first time in 8 years that I didn't hear your voice on the phone first thing in the morning, wishing me a Happy Birthday..always singing loudly. Thinking of you.
February 25, 2012
February 25, 2012
Dear Lee, Happy Birthday. We're at Crystal Palace for the weekend. The last time we were here was with you...Olivia was thinking about you a lot. Much love.
February 25, 2012
February 25, 2012
Happy birthday mom. I miss you so much.
January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012
...and once i start 'talking', i can't shutup! i also wanted to say olivia is in a drama class that a friend of mine does (she's a drama teacher) and livvy has 2 scripts and parts she has to memorize for plays they're doing in march. it's wonderful.
January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012
i also wanted to say...remember me telling you to always pray and talk to god? well, i've been doing that a lot lately and now go to the local baptist church. olivia goes there with me and also goes to synagogue with brian in the city. you would be so proud of her. she's amazing.
January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012
it has been over four months and olivia misses you a lot. i think as time goes on it sinks in even more for her. she cried and said how much she missed you this week. please watch over her and let her know you're with her, lee.
January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012
"“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~Eskimo Proverb
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
It's hard to believe it's been almost a month. I hope you are looking down, proud of your family. Brian just finished his exam, is going to do his 3rd placement and is hoping to get into nursing in the fall! Olivia got her midterm and is soaring! Ben is doing awesome too!!!
September 26, 2011
September 26, 2011
Hi Lee, I hope you can see what all these people have to say. So many wonderful and beautiful tributes. Olivia has misplaced the gold whistle and chain you gave her....can you please help her find it? She's worried you'd be upset. I said you love her no matter what.
September 25, 2011
September 25, 2011
Kathy Matt & Lee's family. The memories of Lee sitting on our couch on the front lawn, giving our children furniture when she moved, and her kindness, will never be forgotton. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Val & Reid
September 25, 2011
September 25, 2011
Kathy and Matt...it was a real pleasure to have known your Mom Lee during the time she joined our 'family.' It was always fun to chat and exchange a hug with her at special family gatherings. I know that you loved her as much as she did you. Gary and I will miss her!!
September 24, 2011
September 24, 2011
Hi Lee, it's been only 3 days since you passed on, but we're definitely feeling the loss. Olivia is spending time with my Mom today and I think it's because she's missing "Grandma Lee". She misses your phone conversations, the games you would play....please know we love you.
September 23, 2011
September 23, 2011
Lee, my heart will always cherish the blessing we were given of our special time that only you could give... (your loving, caring heart) and now you rest in peace able to watch over all whom u loved so dearly.. u will be sadly missed.. Love Deb and Brandon xoxo
September 22, 2011
September 22, 2011
Dear Lee,
I cannot believe you are gone. Thank you for all that you have done. Your memory will live on with your grandchildren. We all love you. I put "Romeo and Juliet" as the page music. ~Abbe xoxo
September 22, 2011
September 22, 2011
Dear Lee,
You will be forever in our hearts.
September 22, 2011
September 22, 2011
dear kathy ,
my very deepest sympathy to you and your family. i just can't believe she's gone! should you need anything don't hesitate to call.
you and matt were so very good to her and she loved you both so very very much.
love, barbara
September 22, 2011
September 22, 2011
I'd like to add how thankful Brian and I are for Kathy and Matt...they took such good care of Lee. Kathy was her best friend and Matt was there 24/7. God bless you both. Much love.

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Recent Tributes
September 29, 2022
September 29, 2022
Miss you mom. Can't believe you're still gone.
September 22, 2022
September 22, 2022
I miss you Lee . Wish you were here to see how my life has been great , thanks to the kids who miss you as well. We speak about you with fond memories
September 21, 2018
September 21, 2018
On the anniversary of your passing , I remember your ever present smile, and your love for life . I miss you - those long telephone conversations, sudden decisions to come to Montreal , and turning these visits into a sleepover...fun times . The kids remember you with love and fond memories.life goes on ,yet I wish you could be here to meet my little Gabriel ,already 14 months ,and a bundle of endless energy .I am enjoying retirement ,yet it would be more fun if you were still here. I remember our conversations when we would talk about our old age , and how much fun we would have racing our walkers or wheelchairs up and down the corridors in the seniors residence.For me , old age is still a long way , so this isn't a somber tribute , but a silent conversation with you. I want you to save a comfy cloud for me ,yet you will have to wait quite a while before we become neighbours!!!! I miss you Leedle Dee
Recent stories
February 24, 2013

Hi Lee,

I lit a candle on the main page in honour of your birthday. I know you're watching over your family but I still do like to write every now and again. I hope as Olivia gets older she will write more of her own messages to you on here.

Olivia is doing very well. She is going for a play date today at her friend Dustin's house and her friend Alyssa will be going too. She is practicing a monologue from "Anne of Green Gables" for the Sackville Music Festival in May. They have solo speeches and she wants to compete!

She and I have planned her 8th birthday already. She is having a Hawaiian luau themed party but she also wants her art teacher, Sadie Jane, to come and do a painting lesson with her and 8 of her friends, so it will be Hawaiian themed too. I am booking a room at a local church for May 25th and then having an actual family party at my Mom's on the 26th.

Benjamin is doing very well. He just started attending an after school compuer club and he's also into yoga and Zumba of all things! He has made some friends and his teacher is actually a long time family friend who taught ME as a student teacher in grade 1 and was a substitute for Olivia at her old school. She also used to live with me when I was young and now we're close. I think it's good for Ben to have someone we know and trust as a teacher.

Brian's been managing the pet store for almost a year and is doing very well. You'd be proud. He is handling things like a pro, recently had to fire and hire and is really showing his skills. He always said it's what he wanted to do and his only regret is that you were here to see him achieve it.

Happy Birthday, Lee.

~Abbe

 

September 24, 2012

Dear Lee,

It has now been over a year since you passed and a lot has changed. We now live in a different province, a nice little town, Brian is doing very well managing the store and Olivia just started grade 2! Ben is now in school and is thriving as well. We have a house with gorgeous apples trees all around. Olivia is making friends and is very happy. She talks about you often and she often cries but she says it helps. I made her a collage for her bedroom on her birthday and she loves the photos of you with her. She keeps your memory alive and often talks about the games you would play on the phone. I know it's hard for her and Brian but I think they need to know you're around them more than ever right now. Please just give them a sign. I tell them how proud you are. I know you are. You wanted Brian to do well. He was in the CCA program when you passed and he was doing well-top of his class-but then he got this job and it's so natural. He's doing so well. I am amazed since he walked in with no experience but he loves animals and it make sense. The business management seemed to come naturally-maybe from your father? I know it's in his blood. He just runs things so smoothly and he and Olivia go to breakfast on his days off. They went to Cora's this morning. I know you liked Cora's too. Just know we think about you all the time. I don't know why I find it so hard to think about you passing, but I do and I wish you were here for your children and grandchildren's sakes. Grandma Lee was very loved and still is.

 

September 22, 2011

Dear Lee,

I knew you for almost 8 years. We've been through many trials and tribulations. You treated me like you did your own children. I felt like family, not just a daughter-in-law. If you had something you felt strongly about, be it positive or negative, you would tell me. Often I wouldn't understand why you said certain things, but upon reflection, I realize it's simply because you cared.

You cared for me, for my husband (of course) and our children. You and Olivia were very close and had a very strong bond despite the distance between all of us. You would play silly games with her on the phone, you would send thoughtful presents, you would be thrilled with all of her accomplishments and she would be excited to tell you about her day.

You constantly pressed the issue about Brian finding a job, finding something and sticking with it, getting more schooling, and guess what? He is! He will make you proud. He has finally found something that he enjoys doing and is damn good at it too. He has many flaws but you still loved him and he knows it.

Thank you for putting me in my place. Thank you for talking to me, for sharing your thoughts, for asking for my opinion, for the chats we would have about really nonsensical things. I miss your calls. I miss your quirky stories. You were such a huge presence in our lives and now there is a hole. I hope you are in Heaven, watching your children and grandchildren and know how much you are loved.

 

~Abbe

 

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