Leila Gwendolyn Crosby (nee Roberts) passed away peacefully on February 1st, 2016 in Campbell River, BC where she resided at the age of 84. Leila was the seventh of eleven children, born in Campbell River BC on August 24th, 1931 to the late Chief William (Sr.) and Frances Roberts. She was a hard worker, forging her strong work ethic and attitude as a logger, seamstress, painter, fisherman, cannery worker and eventually earning a certificate in nursing.
Leila married the late Ronald (Ron) Assu in 1952 and raised their three children; Georgia Conner (nee Assu), Theodore (Ted) Assu Sr. and Danielle (Dani) Assu in the Village of Cape Mudge. Leila was remarried to Sidney Crosby and moved to Skidegate, Haida Gwaii. Over her 10 + years there, she made many lifelong friends, who could often recite her passion for cards, bingo, sports, and gardening.
Leila was an avid gardener and had an extreme love of sports including hockey, soccer, NFL football, tennis and curling. Leila was the first indigenous women to attend high school after the Indian day school system. Leila maintained a healthy attitude which formed the foundation of her personality. She was close with her parents, grandmother, great grandmother, and many nieces and nephews relationships she always cherished.
Leila is survived by her children, Georgia Conners, Theodore (Ted) Nolan Assu Sr. and Danielle Assu. Grandchildren John Conners, Sonny RL Assu, Kristy Louise Assu, Lesly Tara Assu, Cody Rennel Thomas Assu and Theodore Nolan Assu Jr. Great Grandchildren John Conners Jr, Lily Bea Assu, Daala Taajuuwaay Assu-Clark. She is predeceased by her father Chief William Roberts Sr, Mother Francis Roberts (nee Waugh); sisters Velma Roberts, Peggy Drake, brother Ralph “Buddy” Roberts Sr. Her nephews Lawrence Roberts, Terrance Roberts and Lorne Assu and niece Judy Wagner (nee Assu).
She leaves behind her brothers William (Lilian) Roberts Jr; Anthony (Jean) Roberts (Sr); Gerald (Sonia) Roberts; Aubrey (Jennifer) Roberts. Sisters Leoda “Mitzi” Assu and Roberta “Lou” (William) Henderson. As well as a boat load of nieces, nephews, cousins and her backyard cat, Jefferson.
Service:
The service will be held Saturday, February 13th at the Thunderbird Hall in Campbell River, BC. The program will start at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Leila Crosby to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. (Phone: 1 (800) 616-8816)