Merrial Leslie was born to Albert and Mary Gibson on July 9, 1935, in Hamilton, Ontario.
She built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community. Merrial and her beloved husband, Len, shared 45 wonderful years of marriage, creating a partnership marked by devotion and shared purpose.
For 58 years, Merrial built a remarkable career in Toronto’s real estate development industry. Beyond her professional success, she and Len found joy closer to home on Big Island in Demorestville. In 1961, they purchased a former church and lovingly transformed it into a warm, welcoming sanctuary that reflected their shared vision and care. After Len’s passing in 2005, the home remained a cherished place, filled with the love and memories they had created together.
Just as she poured love and care into her home, Merrial also invested in her community, showing steadfast support for Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation.
For more than 26 years, Merrial has been remarkable in her loyalty to PECMH Foundation. Over that time, she has given 30 gifts, often during the holiday season, to help purchase priority medical equipment.
Because medical equipment is not funded by the government, donors like Merrial allow our Care Champions to continue delivering high-quality care close to home. Her annual support touched countless lives, ensuring patients and families had access to the tools our hospital staff needed.
Now, even after her passing, Merrial’s kindness lives on. Through her estate, PECMHF is honoured to receive a bequest of $100,000, a lasting gift that will continue her tradition of caring and strengthen our hospital for generations to come.
“Investing in our hospital, especially through a legacy gift, allows Merrial to live on through her story of kindness and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This gift ensures our hospital will be able to continue serving the community in the future. The foundation is grateful for the opportunity to recognize Merrial for her lifetime of caring and impact.”
Legacy Giving — also known as planned giving — helps keep our hospital equipped with the most modern tools and technology. It’s an excellent way for anyone, regardless of means, to make a lasting difference. You can do this in many ways, such as through your Will or a life insurance policy, creating a meaningful legacy that supports the future of our County hospital.
When making or updating your Will, many people are surprised that after caring for family, there is still room to remember a favourite charity. No matter the size, a gift in your Will to PECMHF is a lasting testament to the value you place on health care for everyone in our community.
To learn more about making a gift in your will, please visit this link.
(BROCK ORMOND)
