<div itemprop="description"><br /> <br />Darlene Elaine Leece approached the final two weeks of her battle with an aggressive cancer just as determined as the night of her initial diagnosis nineteen months earlier; positive, loving and gracious despite her circumstances. Humorous and optimistic till the end, she referred to her room at the Carewest Sarcee Hospice as her “new apartment” and scheduled a hair appointment she would be unable to keep. With her husband Doug Leece by her side, she took her final breath shortly before 5:00 a.m. on February 2, 2016. <br /> <br />An uncommonly kind and sensitive woman with a lust for life, Darlene’s circle of caring extended from the song birds, bees and stray perennials in her garden to anyone who needed an ear, a kind word or assistance with a problem. Born in the year of the fire monkey Darlene was curious, energetic and occasionally mischievous, retaining a childlike fascination and enthusiasm with life’s possibilities many lose track of after adult hood. The concept of possibilities was most evident in her pursuit of the muse. A formally trained artist she would see the beauty in a simple shadow on a stair case and capture an image worthy of framing. <br /> <br />Darlene is predeceased by her parents Seth and Betty Sutley and her elder brother Ross Sutley. She is survived by sister in law Laura Sutley, brother and sister in law Garth and Dianne Leece, mother in law Joy Mitton, sister Gail Orr, several nieces and nephews, step children Caryn and A.J. Leece as well as her loving husband and partner of more than 13 years. <br /> <br /> A final Celebration of Darlene’s Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016 in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, 1605 - 100 Street SE, Calgary, AB. <br /> <br />To honour Darlene’s caring spirit consider a donation to an animal shelter, food bank, cancer society or any cause that stirs your heart instead of traditional memorial tributes. <br /> <br />To express condolences, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca. <br /></div>
