VERNA TINA (NEUFELD) LEESON

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VERNA TINA (NEUFELD) LEESON Verna Tina (Neufeld) Leeson died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, April 28, 2006 in her home in Guelph, ON. What an incredibly strong, courageous and loving person she was! People who met her were quickly absorbed by her infectious love of life and family. Those who knew her best will remember her generosity, her determined Mennonite spirit and her selfless kindness. Born and raised in rural northern Saskatchewan near Nipawin, Verna and her beloved husband, Al, settled in Winnipeg with the support of Al's extensive family. It was here that their children, Wendy, David and Kathy were born. Life brought the young family to Montreal where they established family roots and life experiences which formed the foundation of Verna's proud legacy. Eventually Verna and Al moved to Guelph where Verna finished her work career and where they both retired. Her love and support extended to her children's spouses, Bob Spearman, Diane Caya Leeson and Don Patterson and to her foster child Isaiah. She is survived by brothers, Edward (Arlette) and Leonard (Frances), and was predeceased by her parents, Anna and H.G. Neufeld, and siblings, Lee, Elvina, Donnie, Leslie, Richard, Brian and Art. She was never happier than at the many family get-togethers, and she was dearly loved by and played an important part in the lives of every one of her grandchildren. She taught Gregory, Sophie, Sebastien, Isabelle, Jasmine, Anna and Andrew to always go after their dreams and to never give up. They will always remember what she taught them and all the love she gave them. Her love for life and devotion to family was expressed through the numerous extraordinary personalized quilts she created. Her other passions included travelling, flowers and baking a never-ending supply of apple pies and cinnamon buns for everyone. The family wishes to thank the wonderful Bayshore nurses and personal support workers who provided compassionate care during the last month allowing her to die with peaceful dignity at home. We know that Verna's extraordinary character touched many of you. We also wish to extend deepest gratitude to her family physician, Dr. Rosemary Danielli. Her warmth, honesty, compassion, and remarkable dedication enabled Verna to maintain a high quality of life for many years and helped carry us all through the difficult times. Friends and family will be received at Gilbert MacIntyre Son Funeral Home Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph on Sunday evening, April 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A celebration of Verna's life will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 1. Lunch and refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Lounge. Private inurnment at Memory Gardens. Breslau will be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, flowers are graciously accepted, or donations to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Donation cards available at the funeral home or condolences at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com Words express so little of what is in all our hearts. She will be missed very much by all her family and friends. Her spirit lives on.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2006