Leanne Gaye Reeb
In the early morning of May 17, 2023, Leanne Gaye Reeb of Edmonton passed away at home in the arms of her loving husband at the age of 52 after a valiant battle with Metastatic Eye Cancer. Leanne was born November 30, 1970, at University Hospital Edmonton to Charles (Christine) and Loretta Shobe.
After a happy childhood with her three younger sisters, Wendy, Heather, and Cathy (Mike), she graduated with honours from the Harry Ainlay International Baccalaureate Program. Leanne was intellectually gifted (it was astounding to watch her world record times playing computer, puzzle or word games). After high school, Leanne completed her Bachelor of Social Work in Edmonton where she met her future husband, Scott at a Lister Hall dance. Leanne then pursued a career in Children Services as a front-line worker and later a manager. In 2005, she earned her MBA and became the first graduate of the Public Management stream at the U of A. Leanne then worked through progressively more senior roles at Alberta Health Services, first as a frontline manager at the University, Glenrose and General Hospitals and later as an executive bringing together diverse stakeholders to craft effective policy.
Besides being able to absorb complex information quickly, Leanne was highly respected for her ability to foster collaboration and for her kindness. She also chaired several local boards including the Community Services Board and Brian Webb Dance Company. Although Leanne had a demanding professional life with too many accomplishments to list here, she always made time for her family and many hobbies.
Besides raising two wonderful young men, James (Sari) and Rene, she was a key support for her husband and his intensive business interests. Since childhood, Leanne was an avid golfer who enjoyed her weekly tradition of golfing with her two sons and with her lady’s league. She also enjoyed curling, dance performance, Oilers hockey, big family dinners, card games and church. Perhaps most of all she loved travelling the world with notable trips across Canada, the US, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Europe, Malaysia, Africa and Australia where she lived for 6 months. Leanne had unbounded energy and Joie de Vivre (yes, she spoke French). Although her fight with cancer was often bitter, she never became bitter herself and remained ever thankful to God for the amazing life she led and the positive difference she was able to make in the world. This wonderful woman will be greatly missed by her nieces, nephews, in- laws, friends, work friends, and her beloved Chip!
In lieu of flowers, Leanne requested that donations be made to the Western Canadian Ocular Oncology Fund. Visit ualberta.ca/medicine/giving to donate online OR mail donations payable to the University of Alberta to 3-501 Enterprise Square 10230 Jasper Ave Edmonton Ab T5J 4P6. Note your donation is in memory of Leanne Reeb in support of the Western Canadian Ocular Oncology Fund.
Please contact the family or Calvary Baptist Church for Funeral Service Information.
To Scott, René and James,
Your mourn the loss of a beloved wife and caring mother, and I mourn the loss of a wonderful friend. Leanne was a very special lady in so many ways and will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies.
Dear Scott, James, & Rene,
Leanne was always such a delight to visit with, from great intellectual conversation, to excellent wit, to kindness and humour. We will miss her calming spirit, her pure smile, and especially how she would tease you all! What a privilege to know her! Sending you courage and strength at this time. Love Rob & Cor
My condolences to her family and especially to my dear friend Loretta who loves her children so much and is deeply sorrowful at the loss of Leanne. She was a credit to her parents and an amazing person. Loretta your friends are here for you. I’m really sorry for the loss of this wonderful person to her husband, kids, parents, siblings, and others.
Dear Wendy and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sibling, daughter, mother, wife and friend. What a wonderful tribute to Leanne I just read, she sounds like she made a true difference during her life, and that she will be missed by many.
I’m saddened to hear about Leanne’s passing. I am thinking about you Scott, James and Rene and praying that God gives you extra strength to ensure this tremendous loss. Leanne was always smiling and kind. She was many other things; this is what I remember most. Take care.
The size of the hole left in our lives by the loss of Leanne is immeasurable. She was gracious, funny, helpful, compassionate and wise beyond the far-too-few years she was given in this world. We will forever be thankful for the joy she brought to our family, the partnership, friendship, support and love she provided to Scott, Rene and James, and the gifts she offered to the broader community and world at large. We love you Leanne and will miss you always.
Troy, Maureen, Marcus, Ben, Audrey and Sam.
Dear Scott and Your Sons
I knew Leanne and you through a fundraiser for the Brian Webb Dance Company. I had so much fun planning the meal that the two of you bought.
Latter , I was so happy that Leanne would join the board of directors of my dance company. She then became the chairperson and of course she did a most wonderful job.
I am most grateful that she came into my life.The positive energy that she gave the world was amazing.
God Bless Her,
Brian
Leanne and I worked together in Children’s Services, many moons ago. I’m so sorry to hear of her death. She leaves a beautiful legacy behind. May God give you strength to make it through the next days, weeks, months and years. Blessings.
Our deepest Condolences to Leanne’s Family. I first worked with Leanne when she came to Children’s Services at the Leduc office. She was an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated front line worker who helped many children and families through difficult times. Her abilities quickly led her into Management positions and she was greatly appreciated for her skills, insights and ability to develop sound policies for the Ministry. She will be greatly missed by all of us as colleagues and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Scott and family during this difficult time.
Leanne I want to say and shout out to the world THANK YOU for being a loving sis in law You took me to my own cancer treatments The Lord and saviour loved you as much as I DO and has decided to call you his loving home
1 Corinthians 13:7-8
Dear Scott and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and can only imagine the grief that you are feeling at the loss of dear Leanne. I had the pleasure of working with Leanne in my role as a Board Member on the BWDC Board. Leanne was incredibly efficient and kind in managing her role. It was an honour to have known her.
I wish you strength and send love as you continue your journey in grief.
Lots of love
I am stunned to say the least. Leanne… you and I go so far back… weddings together, children together, you helped me when Mike got sick and passed away. I don’t know how I would have gotten through life without you. I know we grew apart after that, but you were still in mind, and in my thoughts regardless.
Love you, my Elephant #1 ❤️
Sharon.
I’m so sorry to hear of Leanne’s passing. We worked together at the Glenrose when we both became managers there in the mid 2000s. It was clear that she was going places! We stayed in touch professionally for a time as well. Wishing her family much comfort in your memories of her.
Leanne was a most remarkable person who, with her gentleness, spoke with such thoughtfulness and intelligence.
We were lucky to have her and her wisdom on the board at BWDC. Her absence will leave a hole in our lives and activities on the board and will be so greatly missed. ❤️
Dear Scott, Vicki and I are saddened by the loss of Leanne. Although we cannot be there with you, our thoughts and prayers are with you James, Renee and Leanne’s family during this difficult time.
Love Uncle Bill and Aunt Vicki
Deepest sympathies and love to Scott, James and Rene, and always holding space in my heart for Leanne.
I am sending my heartfelt condolences to Scott and his family and to all those who Leanne touched in her brief but powerful time here on earth. I knew Leanne briefly in my role with the BWDC board, but I felt immediately comfortable meeting her with her big smile and welcoming personality. Her ability to weave thoughts, ideas, and complex plans pragmatically was always noted. She will be missed by many.
Dear Scott, We are saddened by the loss of Leanne. Although we cannot be there with you, our thoughts and prayers are with you James, Renee and Leanne’s family during this difficult time. Love Jen & Alex
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend Leanne, a cherished presence in our lives for decades. The loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts.
Leanne, was a kind, brilliant, and warmth person who touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit was loving, joyful, and she radiated compassion, welcoming everyone she encountered.
Over the years, we had the pleasure of playing hours of cards, board games, and Don witnessed her crush Mind Sweeper and Tetris without rival.
We all travelled parts of the world together, and watched Leanne and Scott embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood raising James and Renee together, with unwavering dedication and love, shaping them into two fine young men.
As we prepare to bid farewell to our dear friend, let us remember her smile and honour her memory.
Rest in eternal peace Leanne. You will be missed.
Dear Scott and family
Although we are in different cities, Shelagh and I consider you our dear friends having shared many memorable vacations and celebrations with each other.
We share in your sadness at this time and are so sorry for your loss.
Love the Gibsons.
I was so sorry to hear of Leanne’s death. She was my manager at the Glenrose where I was practice lead. I have never had a better manager> She was skilled in so many ways but it is her kindness and compassion that I will always remember. We would joke that her kindness often got in the way of her need to be tough on staff’s bad behavior. But it was her compassion and fairness that made her superior in her job–plus she knew her social work! She will be missed by her work colleagues.
I had the privilege to work with Leanne when she was Manager of Social Work at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. She was highly intelligent, charming, elegant and dignified in every way – leaving everyone she’d met better for having known her. In her short life she achieved so much – she will be missed by everyone she touched. My sincere condolences to Leanne’s family and friends.