Leona Caroline Missal

Her first years were with her parents in a tiny house built by her father on his first farm near Winnipegosis. The first brother, Vernon, arrived in 1946, a sister, Frieda in 1951 and a brother, Larry in 1955. The family lived near Fork River until 1958 when they moved to Abbotsford British Columbia.

Leona accepted the Lord Jesus at an early age and remained faithful and was baptized at the West Abbotsford Mennonite Church in her youth.

Leona found the transition to the new school, MEI, difficult. She was a good worker and spent a short time in the nearby poultry processing facility cleaning gizzards.

When offered a job at a local small bakery there was no hesitation. She quickly learned the recipes and was largely responsible to maintain the production and, when the employer was ‘under the weather’, to keep the business running. She traveled to Germany with a friend where they earned their way in a Seniors Guest Home. They were astonished at her ability to break two eggs in each hand into the bowl, a necessity learned at the bakery. She was left handed or ambidextrous. A year of studies at Bethel Bible Institute in Abbotsford followed.

Leona acquired the requirements to enter the Licensed Practical Nursing Program. After several years of working she achieved the position of in-home nursing with the Victoria Order of Nursing. She enjoyed assisting the people with their daily needs and medications. This work at times demanded physical strength. She was strong for her size but the work did take a toll.

Leona purchased a house in Burnaby where she lived until retirement. After retirement she moved to Clearbrook. She spent many hours making quilts at the MCC quilt shop. Her needle work and quilts were works of beauty.

After the death of her husband, Sigmund Missal, she purchased an apartment on the 14th floor near Mill Lake Park. She walked around the lake many days until her health began to fail. Leona guarded the cancer diagnose for some time. Treatments were begun. After falling and breaking her hip she needed care. Leona was sent home too soon and was too weak to look after herself. She was always a caregiver and helper and found it difficult to accept assistance. Carmen, her niece became her caregiver and patiently provided hours of support. Inge Sutton has also frequently lending support. Our thanks and appreciation to Carmen and Inge.

After spending several days in the emergency room and knowing that she was not gaining strength she requested there be no further medications or therapy. She requested ‘comfort care only’ and a transfer to hospice. Shortly after entering hospice care the condition turned worse. She passed into the presence of her Lord peacefully on Tuesday morning September 22, 2026.