September 28, 1945 - April 10, 2025
At 3:10am on April 10, 2025, Maureen Heather Leunes (nee Neville) departed on her last flight at the age of 79. As she climbs above the clouds to find her place amongst the stars, she leaves behind the legacy of a remarkable life jam-packed with adventures, travels, an entrepreneurial legacy, deep family bonds, rich friendships, and so many dogs her family had to do a triple count for this obituary.
Born September 28, 1945, in Montreal, QC to John and Francis Neville, Maureen’s first big adventure began during Expo 67. While walking through the revolving doors of a hotel, she locked eyes with a young American named Peter Leunes. For the next eight years, Maureen and Peter crisscrossed the US and Mexico in search of sun, adventure, and the next thing they could sell to make ends meet.
They married in 1973. Two years later, on a snowy day in June 1975, they took the ferry to their new home, Prince Edward Island. After a few failed attempts to launch viable businesses, including a scallop trawler gift shop, they finally landed on a winning formula - leather-covered glasses.
Tannereye was born and Maureen quickly stepped into the role she was born for as vice president and chief strategist. The orders came flying through the door and soon, Maureen and Peter were jetting around the world, building Tannereye into a thriving business with over 200 employees. At the same time, Maureen’s greatest wish - to be a mother - was granted with the arrival of their son, Luke, in 1977 and daughter, Stacey, in 1982.
In 1995, the doors of Tannereye closed for the last time following Peter’s tragic death in an automobile accident. The pages of Maureen’s story were turning again.
Three years later, Maureen found love again with Frank Hale, and they were married in 1998. Over the next 27 years, she continued to live life to the fullest - volunteering, raising Portuguese Waterdogs, traveling, listening to her favourite music, creating a beautiful backyard oasis in Brighton, enjoying her many friendships, taking scenic drives with Frank, and making sure her adult children came over for dinner regularly.
As fascinating as the chapters of Maureen’s life are, they cannot come close to capturing the essence of her character. Formidable, intelligent, exceedingly generous, humble, kind, sensitive, and driven by a strong moral compass, she was a one-of-a-kind woman who embraced every chapter of her incredible life with an indomitable spirit.
Her memory will live on deep in the hearts of all those that knew and loved her, including her beloved husband, Frank Hale; son, Luke (Shannon Courtney), daughter, Stacey (Craig Bugden); godson, Marco Leblanc; many dear friends; her sweet dog, Josie; and her granddogs, Fern and Olive. She joins those who have already found their place amongst the stars - John, Francis, Peter, Barbara, Londa, Paka, Jeb, Jasper, Bella, Andy, and Sailor.
A celebration of Maureen’s life will take place at the Trailside Cafe in Charlottetown on Saturday, April 19th from 11:00 am to 1.30 pm - all are welcome to join for a short while or the duration. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the PEI Humane Society in Maureen's name.
Donations may be made directly to:
PEI Humane Society
Box 20022
Charlottetown, PE C1A 9E3
Ph: 902-892-1190
