Remembering Elsie Stephanie Leskew-Kelly

It is with great sadness that the family of Elsie Stephanie Leskew-Kelly announces her passing on August 8, 2025 in her 94th year. Left to mourn Elsie is her loving and devoted son, David (Maria), her cherished sister and best friend Susan, her loving sister and soul-mate Helen (Kevin predeceased, children Christopher, Celina and Jessica), her dedicated brothers Paul (Marlene, children Kira and Greg) and John (Bonnie, children Christine and Steven).

Elsie was predeceased by her husband Bill (Mervyn) Kelly, 2023 and her brother Steve, 1970.

Also left behind are the families of her husband including his siblings’ children, so many of whom spent many hours enjoying the cottage on Tooke Lake, as well as visiting, in later years, in Orillia. This includes the children of Norm and Yvonne (Babs) Kelly, Dr. Bev (Bud) Kelly and Ruth Kelly, Joan and Barry Walsh, as well as the children of Frank and Eileen Tate. Aunt Elsie will be missed by many.

Elsie never lost touch with her family further away, keeping connected with her Uncle Tolly Slywchuk’s Timmins family, Anne Marie and Vince Purificati, Debbie and Bob Landry, Nick and Carmel Slywchuk (deceased), Susan (deceased). Also relatives from Ukraine who recently settled in Collingwood.

Elsie began piano studies with Reginald Godden, principal of the Hamilton Conservatory, in 1949, and she became completely immersed in the keyboard music of Beethoven and Chopin, performing in recitals and competitions. She became very involved with chamber music. Elsie joined the faculty at the conservatory teaching piano, as well as opening a music studio in the family home, in Aldershot.

In 1955, Elsie purchased her seven foot Steinway semi-concert grand piano, which became her love and joy. She literally breathed and lived for music which moved and inspired her.

Summers were occasions to participate and hear music at festivals in Europe and North America. In 1961, Elsie spent the summer in Aspen, Colorado at the Aspen Festival of Music, where she sang with the Aspen Summer Festival Choir, under the direction of Walter Susskind.

In 1970, Elsie experienced her first introduction to the magic of the Salzburg Music Festival, in Austria. Many subsequent summers were spent in Austria, attending concerts with outstanding world conductors and performers.

In 1969, Elsie joined the staff at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School to teach English and Music. She was later granted a sabbatical leave and spent a year at the Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, New York, where she graduated with a Master of Music degree and began doctoral studies.

She also spent a year in the schools of Brant County, teaching music at the elementary level. Then, returning to Muskoka as a music consultant, she wrote a course of music instruction for teachers of elementary students.

In 1977, she married Mervyn “Bill” Kelly, who supported and guided her in her professional endeavours. She was a music consultant and instructor in music education for Nipissing and York Universities. Her final years in education were spent as a principal for the Simcoe Catholic Board.

Eager to share her love of music, Elsie formed the Orillia Arts Group, whom she escorted to over thirty concerts in Toronto and Parry Sound, to hear world class musicians.

Over a period of thirty years, Bill and Elsie were non-stop travellers in their motorhomes. Favourite destinations were Jekyll Island, Georgia, the American southwest, (Arizona), Alaska, northern Canada, especially British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories. Many trips included Rose, Elsie’s mother and her sister, Susan.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Elsie’s caregivers and neighbours, especially Ginny Thompson, who provided exceptional support. We would also like to extend our appreciation for the care provided by the Helping Hands Transition Team, on Barrie Road.

A funeral mass will be held at Guardian Angels Church, 115 West St. North, in Orillia, on Saturday August 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. A reception luncheon will follow the mass at Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. East, in Orillia.

Memorial donations may be made to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Burial will be at Baysville Cemetery, Baysville, at a later date.