Obituaries

Leona Pearl Green

January 17, 1934 - June 20, 2024

LEONA PEARL GREEN

Peacefully, with family by her side, Leona Green (nee Remple) passed away at Golden West Centennial Lodge on June 20, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

Leona is survived by all her children, James Green, Laurel Fraser (John), Kenneth Green (Mary), and Arliss Kurtz (Ken); grandchildren Andrew Green, Ian Fraser (Shona), Thomas Fraser, Joshua Fraser (Katie), Kasey Kurtz, and Katelyn Kurtz (Liam Prendergast); and greatgrandchildren Kieran Fraser, Eamon Fraser, and Luka Fraser; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Leona was pre-deceased by her father Cornelius Rempel, her mother Ann Rempel, her husband Don Green, and all her siblings and in-laws Ray Remple (Elvy), Wally Remple (Vivian), Joyce Remple, Don Remple (Harriet), and daughter-in-law Angela Green.

Leona was a loving wife, parent, and grandparent. She balanced her family responsibilities with her career in banking (CIBC), her hobbies, travel, and various adventures (e.g., learning to pilot a Cessna airplane, singing overseas at the 1995 VE Day celebrations in Holland and throughout Europe, etc!) She had many talents, most notably her artistic and music abilities.

Leona’s husband, Don, wrote the following biography (edited for brevity) that was included with all her sold artwork: “Leona…was born and raised on the prairies of Manitoba. She began school in a one-roomed schoolhouse in Fortier where, one day, she opened a brand-new book in their meager library on art, and at the age of eight, was enchanted with drawing, colours, and their magic. Though she showed artistic talent, opportunities to develop were not available then and later, unaffordable, so development was sporadic until retirement, when she attended water colour classes and joined the Charleswood Art Group…and finally began to expand her abilities. Traveling through Europe and North America’s art centers … provided her with a deeper appreciation of art mediums and the cultures of our world. Leona enjoys singing and playing the piano for relaxation, and gardening is her passion… (with) a strong belief in using her time to the fullest, she continues to look for ways to bring happiness to others and using her talent to the glory of her Creator.”

Throughout her life, Leona had an inner light that shone brightly for others. She was often described by those who knew her as “delightful, friendly, cheerful, and sweet.” She loved to sing in choirs or just throughout her daily tasks. In her later years, when she no longer remembered the details or people of her life, she remembered beloved songs, mostly hymns, and was often heard singing them. Leona has now joined the Heavenly chorus where she will continue to sing and shine forevermore.

Celebration of Life to be held at Grant Memorial Church, 877 Wilkes Avenue, on July 2, 2024, at 6:00pm. Donations, if desired, can be made to the church on behalf of Leona.