Obituary of Leslie Mavis "Lee" Torwalt

Leslie Mavis Torwalt/Leman (ne Manklow) was born September 24, 1952 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, exactly three years to the day before her sister Roberta, a fact she never let Bert forget. Her family lived a very nomadic life style, at times living off the grid. Because of this Lee and her siblings Glenda, Bertie, and Bobby attended whatever school they were close to, at times even boarding school or with individual host families. According to Glenda, Lee was never happy and longed for home and family. It was during this time after an episode with sour goat milk Lee swore off all milk for good. But it was because of the gypsy lifestyle that Lee developed a desire for roots and this desire led to her marriage as a young adult. The marriage produced two children: Scott in 1972 and Lynda in 1980. But Lee, like a wild bird, could not be caged and soon broke her bonds and soared to new heights from which she could see the great land of possibilities spread out before her. There were so many interesting roosts to be tried: Hendon, Prince George, White Fox, Nipawin, Hay River, Haines Junction, as well as others caught her eye for a time until she landed in Dawson Creek. It was here she met her soul mate Dan at a friend's wedding in 1995. With Dan her heart found a home and permanent rest in 1997. Lee was on the lookout for the next ''neat" thing and with her large heart and generous nature collected many lifelong friends. Her love enveloped and supported you lending you her strength to face the dark valleys of life. Her friends were an important part of her life and brought her great joy, whether she was attending a tent meeting with Sandie or meeting Carol, Janet or Linda for coffee. Life as Lee's friend was never boring. There is a great memory of making battered mushrooms at 3 am after a night of partying. We all were her "Dearlings". She was unique. Lee used to describe herself as "The wicked witch of the north". Worst yet, most of us would agree with her. Not even her cancer diagnosis in 2012 could control her, she continued to face life on her own terms whether it was traveling with Dan, playing with Bowser or tending her apple tree and flowers. Her soul was set free of its physical cage on August 7 and all will miss her blithe spirit. Soar high my dear Lee is predeceased by her parents Leonard and Elsie and her younger brother Bobby. Lee is survived by Dan Leman, her son Scott and daughter Lynda (Ronan) McCrary as well as granddaughter Aine McCrary. She leaves sisters Glenda (Howard) Nelson, Roberta (Laverne) Kiland. Lee always kept a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews Todd (Maryse) Nelson, Isabel (Mike) Ingram, Vince (Trena) Nelson, Shayne (Melissa) Gauley, and LeeAnn (Hannah) Gauley, and special nephew Kyjuan. Lee also leaves to mourn more friends than can be imagined. "Don't judge me by my comings and goings, Like a wild bird I must fly free, No cage, no cage for me."