MANSFIELD, LESLEY ANNE
Passed away peacefully at Juravinski Hospital on February 5, 2025, with her husband John and daughter Katherine by her side.
Lesley was born in Etobicoke, and stayed near the Toronto area until she settled in Milton with her daughter Katherine in 2002, where she became an integral part of the Halton community through her work with Prosperity One Credit Union. Her kind and welcoming personality naturally attracted friends, and it was impossible to go anywhere in Milton without running into someone she knew. Lesley and Katherine made many happy memories in their house in Milton, including spending time gardening, cooking and baking, and watching their favourite movies together.
Lesley met the love of her life, John Pullen, in 2007. Dundas quickly became her second home, where she loved spending time with John and his family, going on hikes, walks on the rail trail, and exploring the downtown. Lesley and John shared a love of travel and visited many places together, including memorable trips to Yellowknife, Portugal, Paris, and Italy and many more spontaneous day and weekend trips around southern Ontario.
Lesley spent many years working in the credit union sector, where her duties in public relations included managing partnerships with local and national charities. She spent the last decade of her career as CEO of the Halton Learning Foundation before retiring in 2023. At HLF, her kindness, compassion, and talent for making connections worked to grow the charity to become a model for school board charities in Southern Ontario, helping innumerable students in need.
Lesley is dearly missed by her husband John, daughter Katherine (Graham), stepdaughters Rebekah and Naomi (Andrew), siblings Debra (Marc) and Kevin (Kim), aunt Margaret, and countless family and friends.
A private interment has taken place at Mount Hamilton Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at Granite Ridge Golf Club in Milton on Saturday, April 26th from 3pm – 5pm.
In memory of Lesley, please consider making a donation to the Lesley & Mary Mansfield Scholarship through the Halton Learning Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.
“Those who pass by us, do not go alone, and do not leave us alone; they leave a bit of themselves, and take a little of us.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I first met Lesley in 2017, when I was leaving Graham’s apartment. Lesley dropped off Katherine, and she immediately called out to me. I couldn’t believe how friendly someone could be. She was so curious about my goals and passions. And as a filmmaker, she would always give me ideas and recommendations.
Lesley was the type of person I’d want to sit beside on a 12 hour flight. Hilarious, thoughtful and the kindest heart you could ask for. It’s impossible not to smile when she’s with you, especially when her eyes light up with joy when she sees you.
Over the years, Lesley has given me so much inspiration and encouragement to my personal life and art. I truly am a stronger and more creative person because of her. The memories she’s given me and things she has told me will never be forgotten, and will only push me harder.
My endless condolences to Katherine, John and her entire family.
I was so deeply saddened to learn of Leslie’s passing, especially knowing how much joy and connection awaited her in retirement. It feels profoundly unfair that such a vibrant life, so deeply invested in the love of her friends and family, has been cut short.
Katherine, my heart goes out to you. May your mother’s radiant spirit continue to be a powerful force in your life, bringing you strength and comfort. I truly believe she would want you to dream vibrantly and to take up as much space in the world as you desire.
My thoughts are also with Debra, Marc, Kevin, Kim, the kids and Aunt Margaret during this difficult time. I know you have lost a beautiful sister, aunt, niece and friend too soon.
Please accept my deepest condolences as well, John, Rebekah, and Naomi.
Those of us who cherished Leslie knew how fully she engaged with everyone she met. Her dynamic intelligence shone through her interactions, offered with such genuine warmth and without pretense. She possessed a rare and beautiful ability to reconnect effortlessly, even after years apart, always eager to forge a meaningful bond – a truly beautiful trait.
I sincerely regret that I am unable to be there in person for the celebration of Leslie’s life. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a donation to the Leslie and Mary Mansfield scholarship, a wonderful way to honour her memory.