Veronica Ronnie McLeod

Veronica McLeod (her friends called her "Ronnie") was born Elsie Veronica Timms on March 9th, 1924 in Sheffield, England. She came to America in 1946, arriving on Armistice Day. She spent time on the east coast before moving to California in the late 1940's. She resided in La Mesa, California for the last 40 years. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 25th, 2014 surrounded by her immediate family. She is survived by her older sister Edna Poole, her son Robert Shames (Debby Cohen), her daughter Wendy Shames, and her granddaughter Brittany Shames. She had a zest for life, was good humored and was liked by everyone she met. She will be deeply missed. A memorial service in her honor will be held at Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary on Saturday, December 13th 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

Biography

Veronica was born in 1924 in Sheffield, England of parents Cyril and Minnie Timms, the second of four children. She is survived by her eldest sister Edna and preceded in death by her sister Doreen and brother Barry. She often reminisced about having a happy childhood which was unfortunately interrupted by World War II. She lived through the air raids, bombings, food rationing and also worked in a factory supporting the war effort. She rarely discussed her hardships during this time of world war, even with her children. At age 22 she decided to come to America. She booked passage on the Queen Elizabeth II and arrived in New York on Armistice Day, November 11, 1946. Sailing past the Statue of Liberty for the first time, she later told her family that is was a marvel to behold. She initially settled on the East coast working as a retail salesperson for I. Magnin and Woolworth's before moving to sunny California. Throughout her life she worked as a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Studios (ballroom dancing was her passion), in retail sales, as a bookkeeper and later as a business owner.

She was beautiful, vivacious and had many suitors, until she met and married Robert Merton Shames. Her first child, Robert, was born in 1951, followed by her daughter Wendy in 1954. She was thrilled when her first granddaughter, Brittany, was born in 1990 and always doted on her.

She loved all of California, but had a special affinity for San Francisco. She was a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan. In the early 1970's she made San Diego her permanent home. She loved the beautiful weather, all the lovely things to do and places to go that San Diego had to offer. She lived in La Mesa for forty years. Her home was always open to her family and friends from around the globe and she was the consummate hostess. She delighted in taking all her visitors to see the sites and activities San Diego and other areas of California had to offer. She stayed in constant touch with her family and friends in England through the long lost art of letter writing.

She married William S. McLeod in 1976 and they were very happy together until his passing in 1988. As a widow, Veronica's greatest pleasure was folk dancing at Balboa Park and the La Mesa Senior Center where she could mingle with all her friends. She eventually met George Kost at a Widow and Widower's support group and they became great friends and dancing companions. They were such a dapper couple, always elegantly dressed and complete strangers would constantly comment on what a lovely couple they were.

Veronica lived life to the fullest, without regret, and on her own terms. All who knew her loved her, all who loved her mourn her loss. We will miss her spirit, sense of humor and unconditional love. She will be in our hearts and minds always.