LESLIE CHRISTINE TRAFTON

March 11, 1966 - September 05, 2016

 

September 5th, 2016 was a bright, sunny fall afternoon when Leslie Christine Trafton passed away peacefully, at the age of 50, surrounded by her husband, family and close friends.

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Leslie was born on March 11, 1966 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Fort Richmond, where, as a child, she would meet her lifelong friends, and in high school, her lifelong love, Curtis. Since her first skate at the age of three, Leslie lived an active life and excelled at everything she did-from dance to ringette and hockey, basketball and volleyball, soccer, scuba diving, and in recent years, yoga, where she found comfort, solace and peace. She had a fierce competitive spirit but always enjoyed the companionship of friends much more than the sport itself. She was a shining bright light with a beautiful smile, contagious laugh, natural curiosity and generous spirit who always inspired others to try to be just a little bit like her.

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Leslie received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg and a Diploma in Business Administration from Red River College and worked at Anthony Allen, then at Service Canada as an Insurance Investigator. Leslie worked hard and excelled at her career. Yet she always maintained that friends and family were most important to her, nurturing those relationships throughout her life. She was the one always checking in to make sure you and your loved ones were okay.

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Leslie’s greatest joys were taking numerous trips with her husband Curtis; sharing stories and laughter with her close friends and hockey family; watching her nephews Jeremy and Josh play sports; swimming and reading at the cottage; walking her much loved rescue dogs Mattie and Henry.

 

Everyone she met fell in love with her enthusiasm and laughter. Despite her illness, she always found ways to be positive, gracious and strong, treating every day of wellness as a precious gift.

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Leslie will be remembered and dearly missed by her beloved husband Curtis, her father George, her sister Nancy, her brother John, and by her wide network of relatives and loving friends. She was predeceased by her mother Diane and her father-in-law Claude.

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Leslie’s family and friends profoundly thank the staff at 7A at St Boniface Hospital, including Tracy Heppner, Dr. Yaffe, Dr. Daeninck and Dr. Ilnyckyj for their kindness, care and support.

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A celebration of Leslie’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, September 26th in the Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Near the end of her battle with cancer, fought with determination and grace, Leslie said, “I have no regrets. I’ve lived a full life.”

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In Leslie’s memory please consider donating to CancerCare Manitoba or any charity of choice, or in Leslie’s words, “give hugs to your family.”