Monica Lynn Vanderleest
Monica Vanderleest was born on February 14, 1974 in Innisfail, Alberta. She was the youngest child of Judy Yoder and Neil Ebbesen; sister to Shannon, Marlo and Nicole.
As a student, Monica was passionate about drama, starring in many stage productions in her town. Her passion for social work began with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Innisfail while pursuing her Diploma in Social Work from Red Deer College. She later obtained a Bachelor and in 2001 a Master of Social Work from The University of Calgary. Successfully starting a career with Alberta Mental Health and Alberta Justice Community Corrections branch in Stettler, she eventually went on to work for the Federal Government at the Public Health Agency of Canada and finally Senior Advisor for Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program.
When she was 27, Monica met Scott Vanderleest while shopping in Edmonton. They would marry on September 20, 2003, and would soon welcome three beautiful children- Calla in 2005, Elsie in 2008 and Magne in 2010, all of whom she truly adored. She was very fond of Scott’s parents, Andy and Linda Vanderleest, who were honoured to have her as their daughter in law, as well as Scott’s sister’s family, Leanne and Fred Munn and nieces Abbie and Sarah.
Monica loved reading, being a member of many book clubs, but was particularly fond of her ‘Mother/ Daughter book club’. Perhaps her favourite collection was that of her lip sticks - of which she had 99.
Monica was a faithful Christian who enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to worship music, often brightening our days with her singing of hymns. Monica was the most remarkable person- generous, kind, witty and faithful.
While we will miss her dearly, the moments we spent with Monica will remain in our hearts forever. We will always remember her glimmering smile and we are blessed to have had her in our lives.
Her Celebration of Life will be held at Beulah Alliance Church 17504-98A Ave, Edmonton Alberta on Tuesday November 22, 2022 at 12:00pm.
Scott and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Monica’s illness and passing. Monica and I first met when we were both working in Camrose – then our paths crossed again at AADAC and PHAC. We used to joke that we’d inevitably end up working together again – since the universe seemed to want our paths to cross! I learned a great deal from my time spent with Monica both professionally and personally and know she’s had a lasting and beautiful impact on her family and her community at large. She will be missed.
Scott and Family,
I was very saddened to hear the news of Monica. I worked with Monica at AADAC and PHAC. She was calm, kind, strong and always able to make the best of any situation. She was very proud of her family and that was evident in her workspace which was covered with family photos, artwork and gifts made for her by Calla, Elsie and Magne that she proudly displayed and treasured. She always had a little stash of candies and was happy to give advice on anything….especially her favourite combination of Sephora lipgloss and lipstick. Thinking of each of you and sending you strength to find peace during this difficult time.
Dear Scott and Family,
I am one of the people who went to school with Monica from Kindergarten through graduation. I have many good memories of birthday parties, Goldeye, and drama club with her. I wish you deep peace as you adjust to her physical absence. May her memory be a blessing as you move forward in life. You will all be in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Monica’s passing. We went to school together from kindergarten to grade 12 and I have many fond memories of childhood birthday parties and activities. Monica reached out to me again shortly after her diagnosis and finding out I was going through ovarian cancer at the same time. I hoped I could give her some comfort and strength in sharing what I had gone through. We shared strong faith that God am I believe has a plan for our lives and He’ll be with us every step of the way no matter how hard things get. I was shocked and sorry she wasn’t able to beat the disease but I know she’s in a better place and will be watching over her family and friends from above.
Also, Monica’s mom, Judy, worked in my grandparents store, Ingham’s Jewellers in Innisfail, many years ago and my uncle Garth asked me to pass on condolences from him and the rest of the family.
Dear Scott and Family,
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. I had the honour of working with and meeting Monica on a work trip from Vancouver to Edmonton in early 2020. I remember we had a lot to discuss (socially of course) as we realized we were both born the same year! She shared pictures and stories of her beautiful children and family. She was a delight to be around. I am so sorry for your loss. May time heal your sorrows, May peace replace your pain and May the warmest memories of Monica warm your hearts forever.
Dear Scott and Family,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you all virtual hugs. I was blessed with working with Monica at PHAC and being part of the WhatsApp chat group during her illness. Her humour and smile will forever stay with me. Wishing you loving memories to forever hold in your heart and comfort for the days ahead.
Dear Scott and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. I worked with Monica at SUAP and always found her to the be the ‘sunshine’ or the light of many meetings and chats. She combined kindness with generosity, humour, wit, compassion, and so many of her other wonderful qualities. Monica had a deep, positive impact on our team & working environment. Our dear friend and colleague will be truly missed and never forgotten. She was one of a kind and I’m so privileged to have known her and learned from her. Wishing you strength in this difficult time.
Condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I was very shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Monica. I worked alongside Monica during my time at PHAC. I highly appreciated her humour, generosity, compassion and devotion to her faith. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Scott & family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Monica’s passing. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Scott & family,
I, too, am a person who attended school with Monica and Nicole, being one year older than both of them. They are two people who stood out in such a beautiful way and made the school a brighter place to be. My heart is saddened, and I wish Monica’s family comfort. My condolences to all. Much love.
PRAYERS YES PRAYERS for ALL YES All the Families and Friends that Knew You Monica for PEACE daily and THANK You for the Rides too Church in the Early 2000 with Scott and Yes You will be Missed and I’m THANKFUL for Meeting You Monica and Your Sisters like Your Twin Sister NICOLE and Family , SHANNON and Marlo and her Family !!
May You REST in PEACE till We Meet again but Yes for Now PRAYERS Yes PRAYERS Daily for PEACE for Scott and The Young Adults he will be Raising and I’m here for You ALL 24 / 7 with Supports , Encouragements , LOVE and Hugs and Mostly PRAYERS Yes PRAYERS and That we Remember Memories of You in our Hearts Monica and Yes Thank You for your Friendships and Once again REST IN PEACE !!
Rest in Peace Monica Vanderleest and We Miss You all from Mckernan Baptist Greeting Ministry and Church !!!!!
Dear Magne, Calla & Elsie,
Your mom was part of my “Work Family” at HC-SUAP, and she is greatly missed. We often swapped “mom” stories, and anyone could see how proud she was of her family. She talked a lot about Survivor theme nights, Mothers day dates, Theme dinners and other uniquely-Monica traditions. At work she was always a bright light who loved bringing people together to connect in one way or another. She was kind and thoughtful, and I’m sure she has passed on those traits to each of you. I am so thankful for having known her, and wishing you all peace and comfort in all the days to come.
Dear Scott and family,
Monica was a light and a joy to be around. She spread her warmth and faith everywhere she went. I know you will miss her dearly but will forever have the memories you created together. I will miss seeing her yearly and catching up. I will always remember her care and love for Judy as well.
Sincerely,
Kelsey Ford Joljart
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Scott and family, as you mourn. May God grant you strength and peace. I grew up with Monica in Innisfail and we continued our friendship through RDC and then up here in Edmonton. I will miss our chats at Starbucks and her vibrant, loving personality. May you find comfort in the knowledge that she is with our Lord and Saviour. Much love from our family to yours.
My thoughts continue to be with Monica’s loved ones, since learning of her passing. I worked with her at PHAC and she was a such a thoughtful and caring person, who reached out to me during a difficult time more than once. My heart goes out to you.