We were privileged to have Leila for a niece, one of our fondest and most abiding memories of her was when she was a little girl about 9 years old – we took her and her sisters to Gage Park to the Festival of Friends one summer = there was a funfair.  Leila was hugely excited and took in everything that was going on around her.  We enjoyed face painting, ate bad things and drank too much pop.  Leila was particularly enthralled with the circus skills and watched other children trying to walk a tightrope but was reticent to try it out.  Her fearless sister Emily immediately had a go and was brilliant at it.  When we asked Leila if she would like to try it, we were half expecting her to decline, after all, she was a thoughtful, careful and considerate child who was pretty risk adverse.  Well we were so wrong - not to be outdone by her little sister our courageous Leila stepped up to the instructor and put herself forward.  She hopped up onto the rope and carefully walked the whole length of the rope with precision and with minimal assistance .  We were so proud of her tenacity and determination to overcome her fear and her drive to succeed.  These were just a couple of the traits that we admired in Leila.  Leila grew into a fine woman who was always thoughtful, kind and considerate.  This was particularly evident in the handmade gifts that she gave to her family and friends, whether it was a knitted cover for her grandma’s IPad or a small sample of needlework, it was always done with such precision, care and love.  For those of us who were lucky enough to receive these gifts they are priceless.  Leila will always be held in high regard ,she holds a very special place in our hearts and will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and loved her.