Eileen "Leeni" Marie Heath

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eileen Marie Heath, affectionately known as "Leeni," who passed away on November 8, 2026, at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on August 14, 1948, Leeni lived a life defined by determination, adventure, generosity, and a deep devotion to those she loved.

As a young woman, Leeni pursued her passion for dance, performing with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for five years and touring extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, and Russia. She later joined Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal, where she danced and served as Company Coordinator, travelling throughout North America and Europe. Her years in ballet combined her love of artistry, discipline, and travel, providing memories and friendships she treasured throughout her life.

In 1981, her daughter Sarah came into her life and became one of her greatest joys. In 1990, she married her beloved husband, Del Chobotar, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, friendship, and unwavering support for one another.

After returning to British Columbia, Leeni built a successful professional career and was especially proud of her years with Bosa Development Corporation, where she worked in accounting and systems management. Following surgery for a benign meningioma in 2006, she stepped away from her career and officially retired in 2013.

Leeni had a lifelong love of animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses. She was known for her generous spirit and volunteered countless hours supporting seniors and community organizations, including many years of service at Belvedere. Whether helping others, gathering with family, or sharing laughter with friends, she brought warmth and light wherever she went.

One of Leeni's happiest places was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There, she could often be found beneath a palapa with a good book in hand, listening to the waves and enjoying the peace of the ocean. That is, until a silver vendor wandered by. Then she could usually be found admiring the jewelry and deciding which treasure might be coming home with her.

Leeni will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Del Chobotar; her daughter Sarah and son-in-law Gavin; her beloved grandsons, London and Nathan; her sisters Bonnie, Lorene, and Kellie and their families; her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews; and the many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

A Memorial Mass will be held on December 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, 330 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, British Columbia, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leeni's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society through the family's memorial fundraising page: https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/campaigns/Eileen-Marie-Heath

Those who knew Leeni will remember her elegance, her strength, her generous heart, and her ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. Her love remains woven into the lives of her family and friends, and her memory will be cherished always.