Léontine Kenny

Léontine Kenny (nee Desautels) passed away peacefully on December 30th, 2023, at the age of 102 years.

She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Dennis, her son Donald, her son-in-law Dennis Moreau, and by 8 of her siblings. Léontine leaves to cherish her memory her five daughters, Louise Moore (Norm), Rita Chopyk (Wilmar), Doris Kenny-Lodewyks (Hans), Janine Kenny-Heinrichs (Jim), Lorraine Kerr (Paul), her daughter-in-law Susan Kenny Siemens (Norm), her two sisters Lucille Gisiger (Luc) and Huguette Simard (André), her 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Léontine was born on November 30th, 1921 in Ste. Anne, MB, where she spent her childhood. She was the second oldest of 11 children. She started her teaching career in rural Manitoba. Dennis and Léontine were married in 1949 and settled in St. Germain, across the road from Dennis’ business (Kenny’s Garage). They moved their family of six children to St. Norbert in 1967. Léontine resumed her teaching career in 1969 at St. Norbert School, initially in Grade 5 then as a Kindergarten teacher, a position she held until her retirement.

Léontine was a devout Catholic and her faith was central to her life. She and Dennis were active members of the St. Norbert Parish until their move to St. Boniface. She was a long time member of La Ligue des Femmes Catholic. Mom loved singing in the church choir initially at Notre-Dame-du-Cap and then St. Norbert.

Family was always the most important part of Mom’s life and she taught this to her children by example. Their home was always welcoming and Mom hosted every holiday dinner, even as the size of her family grew. We all remember Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Réveillon at Mom and Dad’s. She planned the best children’s birthday parties, with games, prizes, and even coins hidden in the cake, that were the envy of all her kids’ friends. They grew a huge garden which meant that Mom spent the fall canning and freezing.

Léontine and Dennis did a lot of camping and travelled with their Boler camper to every province in Canada, drove down through the US, and even up to Alaska. In later years, they travelled further from home on trips to Europe and Australia, and wintered in the southern US.

Léontine often had a jigsaw puzzle on the go. Mom and Dad spent many evenings playing cards with family and friends. She enjoyed shopping and she looked forward to yearly family trips down to Grand Forks. Mom loved to talk, and always said long goodbyes, a trait she has passed down to some of her daughters!

Léontine was a loving and wonderful Mom, Memère, Grandmaman, sister and aunt. Though her dementia took away a lot of her essence in the last years of her life, she will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank the staff at Action Marguerite St. Vital who have lovingly looked after Mom over the past nine years. The care she received in this wonderful home was exemplary, especially during the recent difficult Covid years.

Viewing and eulogy will take place at the St. Norbert Catholic Church on Saturday, January 6th, at 10:00. Funeral mass will be at 10:30. Interment and reception will follow at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Action Marguerite St. Vital, or the charity of your choice.