Obituary of Paula Leslie Cameron

After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Paula Cameron passed away on July 14th, surrounded by her family.

Paula was a woman of exceptional intellect, and was a lifelong student of the world. Her passion for culture and linguistics led her to study languages at Western University, going on to learn French, Latin, and bits of Spanish and Mandarin. Endlessly curious and dedicated to a pursuit of knowledge, she believed deeply in the value of education and lived by the philosophy that one should never stop learning.

She brought that same dedication and passion to her career at her alma mater, Western University. Working in the French Department and later in Graduate Studies, Paula spent over twenty years guiding, mentoring, and championing students as they navigated through their academic journeys.

Outside of work, Paula loved spending time in her garden and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved cats, Rudy and Bunny. She was an avid reader, and was rarely without a book (or three) in hand.  She also loved to travel, and was an explorer at heart. She treasured the memories made travelling all over the UK and Europe with her children. 

Above all, Paula was a devoted and loving mother. She raised her children with unwavering love, encouragement, and support, always inspiring them to be curious and kind. She never missed a milestone, and was always a phone call away for any reason, big or small. 

Paula’s warmth, wisdom, and brilliant wit leave a profound, irreplaceable void. She is the proud daughter of parents Marilyn Menzies (predeceased, 2008) and the Honorable Judge John Menzies (retired). She will be deeply missed by her husband, Tom, and her beloved children, Colin and Gillian (Jason). Sisters, Becky (Peter) and Abby (Doug); niece Jesse (Steve) and nephew Mark; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ted and Anna, will all carry with them special memories of Paula.

The family is forever grateful to her incredible team of oncologists, including Dr. Sugimoto and Dr. Welch, and the doctors, nurses, and PSWs in the gynaecology, oncology, and palliative departments of LHSC. 

A small celebration of life gathering will be held at Idlewyld Inn on Sunday, August 16th, 2026 from 11am - 2pm.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Paula may be made to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre and to the Western Fund.