In memoriam: Merran Elizabeth Leeds (1912-2002)

In Memoriam

Merran Elizabeth Leeds (1912-2002)

Dietitians in Canada lost one of the true pioneers of the profession in the passing of Merran Elizabeth Leeds, September 4th, 2002 at age 90.

Merran grew up in Alberta and completed her undergraduate training at the University of Alberta, graduating with a BSc in Household Economics in 1933. She completed a 14-month dietetic internship at the University Hospital. At that time the program was accredited by the American Dietetic Association. Merran joined the Canadian Dietetic Association in 1936.

Merran then travelled to Toronto, where she worked for the Red Cross Nutritional Services. Field work with Dr. Margaret McCready also took her to Kirkland Lake and Windsor. She expanded her professional experiences with work at the Toronto Visiting Housekeepers Association and at St. Michael's Hospital. In reflecting on her time there, she wrote of receiving $30 a month in addition to room and board. For this stipend, she was expected to work 12-hour shifts with only Sundays off. Still, she spoke of the valuable experience gained in both administration and diet therapy during her time there.

Merran returned to Alberta and worked in Claresholm, assuming the roles of Therapeutic Dietitian, Internship Coordinator, consulting dietitian (one of the first in Canada) and other roles in various auxiliary care facilities. She married in the fall of 1940 and raised four children.

She was a committed professional and retained her memberships in Dietitians of Canada, College of Dietitians of Alberta and the American Dietetic Association. She was proud of her profession and after her retirement she continued to promote healthy eating through presentations, displays and other volunteer activities.