Donald and Mary "Jo" Schleen

Donald Charles Schleen (May 15, 1927 - November 7, 2020) was born and raised in Golden Lake Ontario. From a young age, he loved to go fishing - a hobby he continued for his entire life. He enlisted in the Canadian Army near the end of World War II, later transferring to the Royal Canadian Navy and serving in the Korean War on the H.M.C.S. Crusader. He met the love of his life, Mary "Jo" Potasnick (April 9, 1928 - November 7, 2021) in Winnipeg in the late 1940's. Jo was born and raised in Thornhill Manitoba, and moved to Winnipeg after high school to work at the T. Eaton Company. Don and Jo married in Victoria BC on February 18th, 1950. Except for a short time in Montreal, they lived their entire married life in Victoria in the same home, which they loved and cared for with pride. Jo worked as a sales clerk in a women's boutique and was an active member of the local garden club. They had no children. Together, they loved to travel and play golf. They made regular summer road trips to Manitoba and Ontario to visit their parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. After retiring, they extended their travels, making regular visits to Hawaii, California, Nevada, and multiple locations in Europe. Because of her care needs, Jo moved to Glengarry Hospital in 2017. Don visited often, but was lonely without her. He was able to stay in their beloved home until his death, which was what he wanted. Don and Jo are together again at First Memorial Garden of Memories in Victoria. Don is survived by his nephew, Bruce. Jo is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Darlene, their daughter Marcia, and nephews Randy and Delvin, and niece Donna.