I have been thinking of Leonie lately,  we lost touch when I left Ontario. Going through old emails today to free up storage, I came across our email correspondences, so looked her up, hoping to reconnect. But instead, I found her obituary, and was completely stunned. I knew she had her health challenges over the years, but she never let it get in her way. She was feisty, hard working, and so funny ! I use to love our chats at GBC where we worked together. RIP Leonie, I will miss you. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. 

Susan (Hood) Turnbull

Wow, so sad to hear this news only today... 😥 
My Condolences to her family and friends. I hung out with her at those odd hours at 2am -7am a few summers ago at St.Lawrence market as vendors. 
We had some great laughs, and we felt protected with each other there at those brutal hours in downtown Toronto as we slept outside in our cars before it opened up...just to keep our parking spots and make some $$!
I couldn't believe she was doing it, or that I was...but together it made it easier and at least bearable.  I will always thank her for that...such a great woman! R.I.P 🙏🥺💜

And then ..all the birthdays   All the Christmas and the superb Halloween costumes.

Then they got to high school - and you and I drifted apart - busy with work and like - but what a gift - they , Renée and JJ and Cara were always together - always close , always and forever friends.

This is our best accomplishment - this is our gold cup! 

They will be friends forever ,  care for each other - you did this - you made this happen .  You are a star , you knew what we all needed way ahead of what we could see.

Thank you my beautiful Leone , thank you JJ  and Terri and  Violet , thank you for Pia and Marvin and Robbin. Thank you for leaving these beautiful people  in our lives

We will honour and respect your memory through them 🙏🏻.

My beautiful friend - rest - you did a phenomenal job ! You are forever in my heart 💚 

I’m so sorry to hear of Leonie’s passing. Her bright light will be truly missed. My deepest sympathies to the whole family. 

Dear Leonie,
Gone too soon , but never forgotten. 
You will be missed !
Pat .

My mom, Emma was really sad to hear of Leonie’s passing.  She really admired, liked her.  When my mom would come with me to sell @ Centrepoint , Leonie would always come to talk to my mom.
We would laugh sometimes watching Leonie work so hard packing up her things at the end of the day.  My mom would say “I’m tired just watching her work so hard”
We were not even started yo pack & there she was working fast.  My mom really liked Leonie allot, 

I have had the pleasure of being a client of Leonie’s for many years. In that time, I have had the opportunity to learn what a strong, honest, determined and kind person she was. She was  always willing to help others whenever she could, and cared deeply for those who were a part of her life.  Condolences to her family whom she loved dearly.  I consider myself lucky to have known Leonie. Her memory will live on with all those who were fortunate enough to know her. 

how sad to see such a fantastic lady gone too soon. I met Leonie when she dropped JJ off at Avenue Road daycare when we were three.  I was a curious, but shy child and for some reason, immediately attached myself to her fur coat. Leonie and my mum connected as friends, and JJ and I have remained friends to this day. What a loss for him especially during this time, but how peaceful to think that Leonie passed holding JJ's hand, just them two.
All my love always,
Renée 

I met Leonie 30 years ago with my mom at Ritchies Auction house. She was fun to sit with at those things and we became friends quickly. She was always happy to help people and when I was looking to move, she told me about her apartment building on Ruddington.  It was amazing to have Leonie as a  neighbour! Could just pop over for a visit and a few laughs! Those were some of the best years I can remember and we would often reminisce about the fun times we had there. When she moved to Pickering She somehow arranged with the super for me to move into her place she was leaving ( because it was bigger ).  That was just like Leonie! Always looking out for you and helping in anyway she could! She had such a big heart.  She was also determined and courageous by starting her own business and undertaking such a big reno.  There was nothing she couldn’t do! 

I will miss you Leonie. I’ll miss our visits, chats, your honesty and laugh. You were a good friend. 

My deep condolences to Jan-Joost and Pia and all the family. 

The picture  is more than 15 years old. It’s when she visited me in Mississauga. The cake was for her birthday.

Leonie was a very loving, giving and courageous person. She lived life with zest and gusto and uplifted everyone with her “Dutch Touch”.  We will forever remember our dear friend  Leonie as a lighted candle that burnt ever so brightly. Our deepest condolences to her son and his family and to her siblings, in particular Pia.  Rest In Peace dear Leonie.
Richard, indranie, Breda and Chandra

Amazing Leoni,
Now it seems so long ago we met at George Brown when we were teaching there.  After the first pedicure you gave me , I was hooked!  You took such care with your clients.  I went to Whitby and when you moved to Oshawa I thought this is the end!! My feet said "NO", so off we went to Oshawa to your beautiful home.  You showed me around and were so proud of your creation and design - it was lovely and warm.  You created a wonderful home.
I shall miss you, Leoni - your warmth, kindness and speaking your truth - which sometimes I did not like!!  
My prayers and blessings to your family who had a great mother, sister,  and friend in you.

We would dearly  miss  our dear friend Leonie who has been very close to our family , through our daughter Dineisha  whom she taught at George Brown College  15 years ago.She took a personal interest in Dineisha,s  education  and was also a great influence and mentor to her.
My wife Urline ,Dineisha, Walter and Christine Garcia my brother in law and wife, my cousin Patricia Matthews  will dearly miss her .

I have known Leonie for almost twenty years, first meeting her at The GBC School of Esthetics and Makeup.  She was a fabulous teacher who really cared about her students and colleagues.
I became her personal client as I lived not far from her, and so did my parents. Over time we became friends, my parents and I adored her, she was patient, kind and warm. Leonie was the best kind of person, and she will be greatly missed by the many people she knew and loved.
My heart and thoughts are with Jan, Pia and all of her family members. 

Lieve Jan-Joost fam.en anderen die mij dierbaar zijn.Gecondoleerd met het verlies van jou moeder schoonmoeder en Oma .Langs deze weg wil ik laten weten dat ik veel aan jullie denk en met jullie mee leef. Wat is de afstanden dan ver om even te knuffelen. Ook voor jou Pia is dit een groot verdriet maar weet dat jij Lenie veel hebt kunnen steunen in deze laatste periode .Jullie allen zullen Lenie erg gaan missen en wens jullie veel sterkte voor nu en de tijd die nog komt. Met een warme groet en dikke knuffel van mij jullie

Tante Lijnie

My dear friend,

Over the years we shared many a laughs and tears.  You will forever be a part of my heart.  

That last day we spent together  in September was one of my all time favourites.  You were so proud of your new home and showing me around.  You were so happy despite the recent bad news.  Maybe it’s because Jan was visiting.  Maybe it’s because Pia was coming in a few weeks or maybe it’s because you and I couldn’t stop laughing the entire afternoon.  Whatever the reason.  I’m happy to have that memory with you.❤️

Our last hug goodbye was not supposed to be our last.   We had plans to see each other in the near future.  But for now, I’ll be hugging you in my dreams my friend.

Rest now.  You fought harder than anyone I know.  XO, Sheldon

OBITUARY

Lena Matavovsky-Oosterhof

January 1, 1953 – December 10, 2021

Oshawa Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services