LEONA MURIEL CHOMYSHYN

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LEONA MURIEL CHOMYSHYN Peacefully, on Tuesday, September 23, 2003, after her latest courageous battle with cancer, Leona Muriel Chomyshyn passed away. Leona was born October 15, 1929, near Elphinstone, MB. As a young woman, she worked at Vlasies restaurant in Winnipeg, then at Canadian National Railway beaneries in Wainwright, SK and later in Atikokan, ON. The "prettiest girl in the Atikokan beanery" decided to marry Marlin the first time she saw him and from then on, he was the focus of her life. They married in Winnipeg on February 5, 1955, and moved to Fort William, ON to start their life together. She spent all her energy on her family. Leona made sure everything was home-made from raspberry jam to Halloween costumes. She loved growing things, indoors and out. Her green thumb was amazing. Many beautiful wedding gowns attested to Leonas creativity and patience for minute detail, as well as her love of a deadline. It took all of her great strength to overcome the loss of Marlin in 1994. But she did it, and in the process gained a new self confidence. She learned to manage on her own and even got her drivers license at the age of 66! (The roads were never the same.) She began many new activities later in life and loved the new friends she made at water exercise and Tai Chi. She had a wonderful sense of humour even through all her struggles. We are as proud of her as she always was of us. Leona was predeceased by her husband Marlin; an infant son; her mother Jemina Blackbird; sister Margaret Graham; father John Grant; and brother-in-law Fred Chomyshyn. She is survived by her daughters, Andrea (Winnipeg) and Ina (Dave) Sedor and her three grandchildren, Kyra, Samantha, and Zeke. She is also survived by sister Jessie (Bob) Duch of Redditt, ON, Bobby, Denise (Jacques) Joyal of Winnipeg; brother Charlie (Doreen) Grant, Wendy, Tracy of Winnipeg and Danny of BC; sister Marie (John) Morris, Sharon, Susan of Winnipeg, and Jim, Kelly and Jeffrey Graham of Winnipeg. Her special cousins, Marianne Armstrong and Ina Blackbird of Edmonton and sister-in-law Jenny (Carl) Bryant of Vancouver. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Instead of attending a service, please enjoy some time with someone you love. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Josephs Hospital-Palliative Care, the Northern Cancer Research Foundation, Lakehead University or to your local Humane Society. "Daddy you dont have to wait anymore" On-line Condolences at jenkensfh@arbormemorial.com Jenkens Funeral Home 226 S. Syndicate Avenue Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 1C8

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2003