LEONA ELIZABETH FORSYTH (SUNDELIN)

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LEONA ELIZABETH FORSYTH (nee SUNDELIN) After a courageous battle with cancer we announce the death of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother on December 7, 2007. Leona was born June 17, 1936 on her parents farm north of Kinistino, Saskatchewan. She was the second oldest of nine children. She received her elementary schooling in a one room country school a distance of three miles from their farm. The children either walked or used a horse drawn buggy and toboggan in the winter. They often skied to school when the roads were blocked. She received her high schooling in Kinistino and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. In October 1955 Leona and John [Jack] were married. In the spring of 1956 they located to Winnipeg where Jack had employment. Three children were born to this union, Bruce, Allison and Mark. They lived in Winnipeg until 1989 when they purchased a tourist lodge in Nestor Falls with their daughter Allison and her partner Glen. The lodge was sold in 1994 but Leona and Jack continued to live in Nestor Falls until 2000 when they moved back to Manitoba, purchasing a home in Landmark. Recently they moved toWinnipeg so Leona could be close to medical care, family and friends. Leona started a career in 1972 when she graduated from the two year Diploma Nursing Program at Red River Community College and began nursing at the Health Sciences Centre. In 1974 she obtained her Intensive Care Nurses Certificate. When she left the Centre in 1989 she was the Coordinator of the Hypertension Clinic in the Out Patient Department. While living in Nestor Falls, Leona was a nurse with the Emo Home Nursing Care Program, retiring in 1997. Her interest in history and art courses at the University of Winnipeg over the years led to a Bachelor of Arts degree at the 2000 fall convocation. She also volunteered her help and time in many areas of the United Church over forty-five years. For five years of her retirement she was a volunteer at St. Matthews-Maryland Community Ministry and a member of their Board. Leona had a number of interests and hobbies over the years. Reading, knitting, sewing, gardening, and quilting. In winter she enjoyed skiing with friends. She was a three time Manitoba marathon finisher. Leona was a strong and determined, caring and generous woman. Her children and grandchildren were her first priority. She would be there for them no matter how busy she was. Her love for them was unconditional.To this day they were a great part of her life and she was proud of their accomplishments.The Forsyth home was always open to family members for lodging and gatherings. Leona would love to do cooking and baking for her guests. She will be remembered by her husband Jack, of 52 years; her son Bruce (Irene) of Winnipeg; daughter Allison (Jerome) of Kenora and granddaughter Julie (Kent) of Kenora. Brothers David (Pat), Arnell (Rita), Ken (Judy) and Frazer. Sisters, Loretta (Orest), Audrey (Garry) and Karen. Former daughter-in-law Kelly. Sisters-in-law Lorna, Betty, Dorothy and Janet. And by her nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She appreciated the cards, prayers, well wishes, concern and help from all who were there for her during the time of her illness over the past year. She was predeceased by her beloved son Mark and beloved grandson Carlin. Parents, Anna and Amandus Sundelin, infant sister Carol, in-laws Evelyn and Bob Forsyth. Brother-in-law Ken, sisters-in-law Peggy and Helen . A celebration of her Life will take place at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. on Saturday, December 15 at 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be interred with her son's ashes at a later date. Flowers are graciously declined, a donation in Leona's memory to St. Matthews-Maryland Community Ministry, 641 St. Matthew's Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0G6 or to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, PO Box 2248, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4A6 will be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 09, 2007