Kathleen Canaday Leinster

October 20, 1943 - May 23, 2026

Heaven has gained another angel. Kathleen Canaday Leinster went home to be with The Lord on May 23, 2026. Born in Kansas City, MO to Emmett John Canaday and Anna Hazel Prather Canaday, Kathy moved with the family to Raleigh as a young girl. After graduation from Broughton High School, she attended N.C. State University. While there, Kathy was proud to be a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, Pershing Rifles and the N C State cheerleading squad. She would continue a lifelong supporter of the Wolfpack.

On New Year’s Eve 1965, Kathy married Joseph A. Leinster, Jr. and became an Army wife. They lived on several bases before returning home to North Carolina and settling in Winston-Salem where they raised two children. Kathy was a member of Knollwood Baptist Church and taught at their preschool in the late ‘70s and early ’80s.

After teaching, Kathy became a store manager of This End Up Furniture company for many years. She was active in the Winston-Salem Ski Club and a frequent bridge player. Kathy loved to travel and was fortunate to visit many countries. One of her favorite trips was a 3-week safari in Africa visiting 5 countries and seeing many of the big animals in the wild.

In 2002, she and Joe built a house in Cape Coral, Florida to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Kathy loved being “Nana”, going out in the boat and taking the kids to Disney World. She had so many good memories, but they started to fade in recent years as Alzheimer’s took over. When their son, Kevin, retired from the Army, he moved in and became a full-time caregiver. It is because of his tireless devotion that Kathy was able to stay at home and pass peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Ann Barber of Raleigh; husband of 60 years, Joe Leinster of Cape Coral, Florida; daughter, Lavonne Leinster Ellis (Eric) of Hendersonville; son, Kevin Joseph Leinster of Cape Coral, Florida; granddaughter, Kathleen Ellis Kozel (Will) of Winter Haven, Florida and grandson, Brendan Patrick Ellis of Hendersonville. Kathy was a kind, loving and selfless person who will be greatly missed by all who loved her.