Sr. Leona Leibel

Sr. Leona (Appolonia) Leibel, Ursuline of Prelate, was called into eternal life on November 22, 2017, at St. Angela Merici Residence. She was 99 years old. Daughter of Clara (Feist) and Peter Leibel, Sister Leona was born on June 2, 1918 in Unity, Saskatchewan. Tragedy marked Sister Leona early in life as her mother died when she was only three months old, leaving three small children. As well, she lost a brother (from a second marriage) when he was only twelve and experienced the destruction, by fire, of their summer home and barn. In spite of these tragic events there was much joy in the large family of fourteen children. Celebrations included much of the extended family, with activities for young and not so young; dancing and singing as well as ball games and picnics. Sister Leona's life as an Ursuline began when she left home for Prelate in July of 1934. Following the stages of postulancy and novitiate, Sister Leona made her first vows on January 1, 1937 and served as a companion to Sisters teaching in rural schools as well as completing her own high school grades.  Following her final profession on January 1, 1940, she spent the 1941- 42 year in Moose Jaw at Normal School. Graduation led her to a fruitful 38 year teaching career which included Glen Eden School, Goodsoil, Tramping Lake, St. Walburg, Viscount, Fox Valley, Prelate (Public and SAA), Quinton and Shaunavon. In addition to classroom teaching at the Academy, Sister Leona served the community as Novice and Juniorate Directress. Her teaching years were followed by a period of time in which she served in various parish/pastoral ministries in Shaunavon and later in support staff activities at St. Angela's Academy. In January of 2006 she retired to St. Angela Merici Residence due to ill health. In 1983-84 Sister Leona enjoyed an enriching year at Credo, which culminated in a trip to the Holy Land.  Also enriching and exciting were her trips to Eastern Canada, Expo in Vancouver and a visit with family members in Arizona. Every visit from family brought joy, excitement and a spark of renewed energy into the life of Sister Leona. Sister Leona will be fondly remembered for her love of things beautiful, for her perseverance in rug-hooking, her extended years of classroom teaching, in spite of often poor health, and above all for her love of family. Left to mourn her passing, are her Ursuline Sisters, her step-sisters Anne (Ludwar), Clare (Herold Campbell) and Annette (George Heffner), sisters-in-law, Clara, Dorothy, Connie and Charlene along with many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Peter, in 1952, her mother Clara (Feist) in 1918, her step-mother Agatha (Hummel) in 1974, her brother, Joseph, and her step-brothers, Anton, Peter Louis, Nick, Walter and Richard, her sister, Frances(Kloster) and step-sisters, Rose (Holman) and Sister Magdalene, sister-in-law, Leona, and brothers-in-law, John Kloster, John Holman, Jake Ludwar and George Heffner. A Vigil will be celebrated on Sunday, November 26 at 2:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be held at St. Angela Merici Residence, 125 Cree Crescent, Saskatoon, SK. The Rite of Committal will follow at the Prelate Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives are invited to contribute to the Ursuline mission of education by donating to St. Angela's Academy Foundation, at 305 Hilliard St. E., Saskatoon, SK, S7J 0E5. Arrangements in care of Chelsea Krentz – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.