Lesley-Ann Joyce Yip (March 3rd, 1958 – December 5th, 2022)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother, Lesley-Ann Joyce Yip. Many who met her, were greeted by a woman whose beauty was only outmatched by her sense of humor. Many who really knew her, came to know a strong-willed, wild child, who lived boldly, and proudly, underneath a crown of feathery Kirstie Alley hair.

Lesley was an inventor, entrepreneur, mother, and traveler. She danced to loud music at any hour of the day, and never closed the blinds while doing it. She ate good food and taught us how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. She was the life of the party and loved people. If she didn’t like something (or someone) she would tell you. She was honest, upfront, and hilarious, up until the last days of her life, which she fought for with vigor in these past few months at both Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Life wasn’t always kind to our mother, and our relationships were fraught at times. Nevertheless, she taught us how to fight like hell and live the lives we dreamt of. She was able to dictate most of the direction of her life, up until the last few weeks. Even though sometimes her life didn’t turn out the way she hoped, she was still proud that she was the one in charge.

Lesley is predeceased by her mother Joan Payne, who was dearly missed by our mother. She leaves behind her sister, Debra Valevicius, her brother-in-law Edward Sr., and their children, JJ, Edward, Andrew and Brittany. She leaves behind us: her youngest daughter Dakota (Ducky) and her husband Dave, her only son Kyle (Kylie-Poo), and eldest daughter Courtney and her husband Ian, and her granddaughter, Ryan.

We asked our Mom once, “what do you hope to come back as?” she replied, “a bird.” When we miss her, we’ll see her, dancing in the sky, where she has always belonged.

Lesley’s children, Dakota, Kyle and Courtney will be hosting a celebration of life at The Duchess of Markham on Wednesday December 28th, 2022, from 12pm-4pm in the afternoon.