Leila “Lee” Dorothy Sparling (Nee Robinson)

Lee Sparling passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the age of 92 years.

Born in York County, Toronto, Ontario, Lee is survived by her daughter Marilyn Diane Lamb (husband Vince) and her son, William “Bill” Sparling (wife Elizabeth) all of Victoria, BC. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Theraza “Teri” Wright (husband Robert, son Jaydon) of Victoria, BC, Deanna Jensen (children Corie-Lee, Zachary, James, Robin) of Red Deer, AB, Timothy Lamb (wife Terri) and Jennifer Sparling (daughters Kattrina and Aerona) of Calgary AB and William ‘Will’ Jr (spouse Adriel daughters Elysian, Rose & Esme) of Kamloops, Robert Sparling of Victoira, BC. Along with great-great grandchildren, extended family and friends. She will be so missed by all of us.

Lee was pre-deceased by her son, John Michael Sparling Jr. (Feb 1, 2021) and her husband of 54 years, John “Jack” Michael Sparling Sr. (Sep 2000). Lee was also pre-deceased by her parents, Alvie and Louie Robinson and numerous brothers, sisters and extended family.

Lee was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She was a strong woman who took care of her family not only raising them but looking out for them after they had a family of their own. An avid sewer and crafter, she loved the garage sale find. Her specialty was making things for other people out of any materials that she could get her hands on and fixing up the bargains she found. She was notorious to load you up with stuff after a visit and that included her wonderful baking she was known for. Friends were often visited with cookies and stories as she checked in on them. She loved to see the joy on everyone’s face when they opened their presents with her handicrafts inside. It was of course our delight as well. Lee enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and we all loved her just as much.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Home Instead and all the wonderful caring workers that were devoted to ensuring Lee had what she needed both medically and socially. Another thank you to her granddaughters Jen and Teri who worked tirelessly to fulfill a promise to protect and keep Lee in her home and ensure she was not alone. She passed peacefully with both of them present.

In memory of Lee, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation

A Funeral Service will be held for Leila at Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 10:30 am. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in person is reserved for family. A virtual service is available from the comfort of your home via the zoom link below.