LEONA SHIRLEY STEVENS

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LEONA SHIRLEY STEVENS It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my Mother, Leona Shirley Stevens, on January 24, 2005 at 2:10 a.m. at the Riverview Health Centre. My Mother and I have had a strong mother-daughter bond since the day I was born, it was only fitting that she left at the same time of day as my birth. Mom passed away peacefully after a year and a half long illness that slowed her down in body, but not in spirit. Mom was born on a farm in Young, SK in 1933, joining a family of eight siblings. Mom loved Saskatchewan and enjoyed going back there whenever she could. Mom's gifts in life were many. Her talent and skill as a hairdresser enabled her to work all over Canada. She has cut, coloured and coiffed styles from Hamilton to Vancouver to The Pas and finally Winnipeg. Mom ran her own shop in The Pas for 21 years. Lee's Hairstyling was the centre of the town; Mom knew everyone, and everyone knew Lee. Mom was able to put her other gifts to work when her and Dad ran the LaVerendrye Motel in The Pas for seven years. She would work at her shop during the day and the motel at night. Anyone who travelled north and stayed at our motel could always expect a warm and wonderful meal on Sunday, even when the restaurant was closed. Mom had many good friends in the north, and fond memories of raising her family there. My Mother loved people, and she loved to engage in discussions over politics, religion and other taboo topics. This love suited her career as a hairstylist very well. In 1977, Mom moved from The Pas to Winnipeg and began working as a stylist at the Holiday Inn Downtown. She also spent several years teaching at Scientific Beauty and RB Russell hairdressing schools. She was loved by her students, and remains friends with many of them today. In the early 1980s, Lee's Hairstyling became another institution, this time in Transcona. Mom could have five customers getting their hair done all at the same time, listening to Peter Warren on CJOB, and discussing all the issues of the day. She was in her element. Mom semi-retired in 2001, closing Lee's Hairstyling, but continuing to cut hair for many friends and former customers. My Mother also had an incredible love of cooking and entertaining. She would always ensure that everyone in her building had full tummies on Sundays, and she would never hear of someone eating alone. Her favourite sayings included Come on down for some home-made soup or I've just put in a roast. Mom's Christmas Eve parties were fun, and many family and friends, old and young, would come for her hospitality. My Mother's other talent was being the best bargain shopper in Winnipeg. This is a skill that has thankfully been passed down to me, and will remain a cherished memory of all the fun times Mom and I spent discovering bargains. Throughout her life, the one steadfast thing has been the love and joy her friends bring her. Anyone who knew Mom knew she always found it much easier to give than receive. Mom loved her grandsons and cherished every moment with them. She enjoyed her trips to Austin, TX, and in recent years, Waterloo, ON, to soak up all the activities that go along with raising two young boys. Last summer, Mom enjoyed a great road-trip to Montreal and Ottawa that let us visit with family, shop and site-see. Mom was predeceased by my Dad, Jim Stevens; and brothers, Leo Holdner and Charlie Holdner. Mom leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Pamela Jane West (Jeff) and precious grandsons, Jack and Bennett; brothers, Alfred Holdner, Harold Holdner (Irene), William Holdner (Jane), Raymond Holdner (Irene), Albert Holdner (Lorraine); sister Lorraine Matshes; numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many good friends. I would like to thank Dr. I. Maxwell and Anne Anderson at the Victoria General Hospital Oncology Department, and Dr. Greene and staff at the Victoria General Hospital. Special thanks to all the staff of 3-East at Riverview Health Centre, but particularly Drs. Crowe and Harloss; nurses, Andrea, Anne-Marr, Anne, Bonnie, Christine, Dorothy, Karen and Stella; and aides, Barb and Gabriella. You all treated my Mom with such dignity and respect, I am forever grateful and thank you from the bottom of my heart. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. in Thomson In The Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9. Your journey has not been easy, but your faith has never faltered and your heart has never surrendered. You are my courage, my hope, and my inspiration, and I love you with a love I'll never outgrow. THOMSON IN THE PARK Funeral Home and Cemetery 1291 McGillivray Blvd. - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 27, 2005