Yvonne May McLeod

August 20, 1959 - January 21, 2025

In Loving Memory

Yvonne May McLeod, beloved mother to Shana (Brown) Whitter and grandmother to Keishawn and Kenneil Barrows, of Oshawa, Ontario, passed away surrounded by family on January 21, 2025.

She was born in White Chapel Brixton Hill, Clarendon, Jamaica, in 1959 to Vincent McLeod and Jestina (Grant) McLeod and grew up surrounded by family. Yvonne attended Brixton Hill Primary School and then Lennon High School with her close friend and confidant, Petal Wright.
Always an adventurer, Yvonne left Jamaica in her early 20s to pursue new opportunities in Canada, arriving with no money in her pockets but a heart full of determination.

In Canada, she met Dave Brown and gave birth to her only child, Shana. Yvonne was a devoted mother, always saying that Shana was her pride and joy. She often reminded her daughter lovingly, “No one would love her more.”

Yvonne had a passion for the medical field and dreamed of becoming a nurse. After giving birth, she focused on her education, completing prerequisite courses at Maplewood High School before attending George Brown College, where she studied Personal Support Work. She later worked at Extendicare Scarborough and Chester Village, caring deeply for those she served.

Yvonne took special joy in reading and cooking for her family and friends. She cherished her travels, from England to Florida to Ottawa, always capturing memories through photographs and eagerly planning her next adventure.

Predeceased by her parents, Yvonne is survived by her three sisters (Dorothy Clarke, Verna Williams, and Beverly McLeod) and her two brothers (Astley and Clifford McLeod), who will never forget the love and warmth she brought to their lives.

A celebration of life will take place in August around her birthday to commemorate Yvonne’s life. Invitations will be sent out in early spring. The family welcomes all who wish to attend and share their stories of Yvonne’s amazing life and triumphs.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” – Psalm 118:22