Leona Catherine Laphen Richards

RICHARDS, Leona – 84, Halifax, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2010 with her loving family by her side. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Silas and Lillian (Delaney) Laphen. She was predeceased by her husband Harold; son Joseph; granddaughter Kailee; sisters, Marguerite Elliott and Connie Paquette; brothers, Cad and Frank Laphen. She is survived by her children; Sandie (Ronnie) Fox, Halifax; Kenny (Paula), Oakville, Ont.; Joanne (Ralph) Ballam, Shubenacadie; Mike (Brenda), Sackville; Jimmy (Valerie), Paradise; Christine Dowling, Enfield; Harold (Lorrie), Halifax; Tony (Kelly), Beaverbank; 20 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren with another expected arrival late 2010; and sister Carol Anne Forgeron. In her early years Leona worked as a switchboard operator for Maritime Tel & Tel and it was here through friends that she met ‘her Harold’. Leona’s proudest accomplishment was her family and she will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was always in attendance for graduations, weddings, and baptisms, and not only spoke with pride about the event but had pictures to show as well. She never missed a birthday or anniversary and you could always count on a card in the mail. Leona was a kind and gentle lady whose easy going personality and warm heart made you like her the moment you met her. She was easy to talk to as she took a genuine interest in the lives of others. Leona enjoyed the simple things in life; her beautiful flowers on the deck, a cup of tea while reading the newspaper in the morning, trips to visit family, phone conversations by the hour, the apple blossoms outside her window, various errands and shopping trips, tole painting, spending time with good friends, and watching and waving from her deck as you left from a visit. Described by others as a warm and caring lady, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Arrangements have been entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, where Leona’s family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, August 11, 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A funeral mass will take place Thursday, August 12 at 10 am in Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church, 45 Radcliffe Drive, Halifax. The family encourages everyone to join them for a reception at the church immediately following the mass. A private burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. The family wishes to thank the staff of 8.3 QEII, for their dedicated care and compassion. Donations may be made in memory of Leona to the Autism Society of NS or a charity of choice. ‘Thank you for filling our lives with such love.....you will forever remain in our hearts.......xo’