Mrs. Leona Schock

There are no adequate words to explain how a benevolent and quietly lived life, is also a great life; but it is the kind of life Leona Schock lived. The book-end to that lovely life came on Saturday July 12th, 2025, when she passed unexpectedly of a short illness, surrounded by family.

We were lucky enough to hold hands one last time.

Leona left this earth behind on a sunny day when her carefully planted backyard flowers were still in bloom. She went from beauty here to the beauty of that next place. Leona’s life was made great by countless small and large acts of kindness, love, and support — support to her family, her cherished friends, and many students whose lives she positively affected while teaching elementary school.

She started her teaching career as a teenager in the early 1950’s, being in charge of a one-room schoolhouse, Lynwood School, grades one through nine. Many years of classrooms

followed in Saskatoon, along with late nights spent at her desk devising just the right lesson plans to engage the students in learning, and to cater to each student's strengths. In fact, when Leona retired in 1988, she was deeply missed. During her retirement, not a month went by without meeting at least one former student who would comment that Leona had been their favorite teacher.

Never afraid of hard work, she possessed an inner strength and steely determination. So sitting around in retirement wasn’t her style. After teaching, she attained her Canadian Securities Certificate and worked at Richardson Greenshields. Then for several years she was employed by 25th Street Theatre in administration and as Fringe Festival Volunteer Coordinator. This was followed by clerical work for the Saskatchewan Association of Architects. Leona fully retired in her early 70’s, but she still worked out at

the gym, lifting weights weekly. She received the 100 workouts t-shirt from Curves and proudly wore it to the gym whenever she went. Tai Chi was also a pursuit she learned along with her daughter, Cynthia.

Fine Art, Literature, Painting, and Interior Design were passions Leona participated in. She surrounded her family with beauty in her flower garden and in her home design, employing well-known Saskatchewan designers like Barb Beavis and Holliday Scott. Every year, the Co-op dividend cheque was spent on flowers for the backyard. When she could afford it, designer clothing was added to her closet and

she dressed impeccably all her life. A pure silk scarf in a gift box was always appreciated, whether for Christmas, Mother’s Day or a birthday.

Leona was stylish and beautiful, a woman of quiet faith, quick laughter, and a reluctance to cry. Listening to her tell a joke was more entertaining than the joke itself. Later in life, Leona’s time was spent cooking for the family, going for coffee with friends and family, and reading books. Stories and books were her delight and escape. She read every day with one of her cats, Kitri or Zuki curled up beside her, purring.

Leona was pre-deceased by her Mother, Eva (Wutzke) Neu, her Father Heinrich (Henry) Neu, her brother, Oscar Neu, her sister, Erma Simonar (Warren Simonar) and nephew Bradley Simonar. She also is now reunited with her beloved cats, Kitri and Zuki.

Leona is survived by her Dear Husband of 65 years, Louis, and her Daughter, Cynthia, and numerous beloved in-laws and friends.

Our hearts will miss this very extraordinary woman every day we walk the world without her. She truly left this world a better place for those whose lives she touched. Her boundless love made us feel like we lived in Heaven here and now. We are comforted to know we will see her on that further shore again some day.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm at Shell Lake Lions Town Hall on Friday September 26th, 2025.

If you feel like honouring Leona’s life in tribute, flowers are welcome, or equally, a donation may be made to SOS Prairie Cat Rescue, Saskatoon, in Leona Schock’s memory. https://www.sosprairierescue.com/donate