Leona COWAN

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COWAN: Leona Jean (nee Swaenepoel). On Monday May 20, 2019 at the age of 71 years Leona passed away surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Leona was born in the Souris Hospital on June 20, 1947 along with her twin sister Linda to parents Frank and Edna Swaenepoel. Leona attended school in Carroll and Souris. Following graduation she worked in the Royal Bank before taking her nurses training in Brandon and graduated as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. She worked in Winnipeg, Brandon and Souris then Dinsdale Personal Care Home where she was employed for over 30 years as the director of patient care. To quote Major Wilson Perrin of the Salvation Army in reference to Leona “her compassion, kindness and attention to detail in her work was excellent. She was a generous person and gave unselfishly to everything she put her hands too.” Leona is survived by her beloved son Richard, and the joy of her life-her granddaughter Hannah; sister Gwen (Glen) Barclay, brother John (Vonna) Swaenepoel, many nieces and nephews who all had a very close bond with Aunt “Nonnie.” Leona was predeceased by her parents and her twin sister Linda Demer. A celebration of Leona’s life was held at the Souris Legion Clubroom on May 24, 2019. A private interment was held in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery with Reverend Harvey Hurren officiating. In memory of Leona donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Maier, the doctors and staff of Cancer Care and the staff of Brandon Palliative Care for their excellent care.Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home, Souris, in care of arrangements. Expression of sympathy may be made at www.kowalchuks.net

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 20, 2019