It was with great sadness that we learned that my cousin, Leona, passed away. I remember her visits with my parents and loved her enthusiasm and ready laugh. She always had family stories to share and, in doing so, added to my knowledge of and appreciation for my extended family. I am sure she will be sadly missed by her own family. Blessings to you all.

My husband and I met Leona several years ago when she first started attending Orleans United Church.  She happened to sit in the same pew as us and we connected through conversation.  We shared that pew on many occasions.  I loved being greeted by her warm smile and twinkling eyes.  Leona was a kind and generous person.  She donated a beautiful homemade afghan to one of our newly arrived refugee families, thinking that it might be nice for them to have a new item to freshen up a piece of donated furniture.  Each year she created gorgeous woven and knitted items to be sold at our Christmas Bazaar.  Leona had the ability to raise people's spirits with her empathetic ear, self-deprecating humour, and kind heart.  All of us who came to know her through her church membership are richer for having known her.  She was a model of positivity.  

Although there are no words to adequately comfort you, I pray that as time moves on, you will celebrate the many gifts and traits that Leona passed on to you, her family, as you recognize them in yourselves and each other.  She lives on in you.  Please know that she will be mourned by all whose lives she touched.  It was a privilege to call her "friend".   

Leona was a really fun part of our weekly knitting get-togethers in Orleans.   I  miss her very much and will always remember her as a practical person with a wonderful sense of humour.   She was one of those rare people who you always look forward to being around.   I know her family meant a lot to her and my heartfelt condolences go out to all.       

I'm a friend of Leona's from our weekly Wednesday Knit and Chat group.  I'm sure you've heard this many times but Leona was a wonderful person! She was always knitting something for the Orleans United Church and gladly accepted donations of yarn from our group which she passed on to the church so all the minions could whip up blankets, hats, scarves, mitts, and more, for the Christmas bazaar:)  I was one of those minions!  In fact, it was her exuberance over her church experience at Orleans United that prompted me to join as well!  I will miss Leona both sitting and chatting with me at knitting and leaning back over the pews and waving hello on a Sunday at church.  She truly touched those in her life.

My sincere condolences to all loved ones who have shared Leona’s life in any way. I first met Leona when she moved into the condo in Orleans.  We shared the common bond of both having lived in the Soo although not knowing each other there. What a wonderful strong, smart and special lady, with a marvellous sense of humour. I am pleased to have known her and called her a friend.  I will miss her greatly.   Rest In Peace Leona.  

Dear Lisa, Reta, and Seth, I am sending my deepest sympathy to you and your families.  My thoughts and prayers  are  with all of you.. My father , Bill Booth and Gordan were first cousins.  My parents lived in Deltona Florida  after leaving Michigan . Your mom and Gordon had their trailer in the area in a park  near my folks.  My mother Nora and your mom became great friends . They loved going to the library and finding books to read by the pool . Then having dinner together with the guys. Lots of good meals, jokes and laughter were shared by all of them. May special memories of your Mother help to bring you all comfort.  Leona was a beautiful, talented and compassionate woman. I had great respect for her.  Sincerely, Marcia (Booth) Candido. 

I met Leona in the condo building where she was living.  She was on the same floor as me.  She was a very nice and quiet person.  I would see her coming back from aquafitness, from her walks.   I will miss seeing her and talking to her.  To her daughters, she talk proudly of you all and the grandchildren as well.  If you need any help or info of the building, please do not hesitate to come and see me.  Unit 310.  I send a email to your mom's email address to offer my help.
I wish you my dearest sympathy.
Take care
Francine Vinet

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Predeceased by her husband Gordon. Mother of Lisa Caouette (Charles), Reta Faryon (Don) and Seth Jennings (Peggy).  Step-mother of the late Ron, Murray (Carole) and Rose Mary Stephen. Grandmother to Renee, Megan and Krystine, Alexandra and Caitlin, Geordon and Lindsay, Alex and Cara.  Predeceased by her brother Strathie Curtis and survived by her sister Carol Hallifax (Guy). Aunt of many nieces and nephews. Leona was born in Bible Hill, Colchester County, Nova Scotia to the late Douglas Curtis and Reta Nelson Curtis.  She was first married to the late Arnold Jennings, father of Lisa, Reta and Seth.

OBITUARY

Leona Stephen

13 October, 1935 – 3 July, 2018

Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel

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