Leanne Coleman-Kamphuis

We grieve the loss of our wife and mother, Leanne Coleman-Kamphuis. On December 29, 2024 at home in Portage la Prairie, Leanne passed away at the age of 62 years.

Left to mourn are her husband Robert, daughter MaryBeth (Nicholas), grandchildren Malakai and Blake, father Greg Sr., siblings Greg Jr. (Lisa), Johngary (Elizabeth), Rhyan (Danielle), Grahame (Angela) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Leanne is predeceased by her mother Patricia Coleman, sister Mary Beth, and son Nathaniel.

Leanne was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1962. She was raised in the house her father built on Cottage Rd with her four brothers, as the only surviving daughter of Greg Sr and Pat Coleman. As a child growing up in Cape Breton, she learned to love the outdoors, especially when spending time at the family summer cottage on the beautiful shores of Bras d’Or Lake. As she grew, she developed a strong and deep faith in God. She enjoyed participating fully as an active member of her church. She especially liked to sing and no matter what church she found herself attending, she would do her best to participate as a member of that church’s choir.

After graduating high school from Sydney Academy, Leanne went on to get her Nursing Diploma from St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1983. From there, she began work as an ICU nurse in Truro and Halifax. Not too long after, her strong spirit of adventure led her to take a year-long nursing position in New Zealand, one of the highlights of her career. As anyone who was fortunate enough to get to know her well is aware, Leanne was a highly compassionate person which helped make her an excellent nurse. She felt a strong sense of dedication to the nursing profession, which compelled her to go back to studying. From there she was accepted into Dalhousie University and attained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, completing the degree in 1993. Leanne went on to work as a research nurse for several years, and then later took a position for the Department of National Defence as a case nurse manager until 2008. 

Leanne and Rob met in Halifax in 1993 and were married a year and a half later. After MaryBeth and later Nathaniel were born, Leanne put in the same energy, compassion and dedication she showed as a nurse into being a mother. She was always highly supportive of Rob’s military career despite the many moves and his occasional but lengthy absences, often finding herself having to play the difficult role of single parent. She did this time after time, with great success and without complaint.  

Leanne was especially kind, always giving a hand and listening ear to those who needed it. She brought joy and laughter to new spaces with her outgoing and vivacious personality. She loved to have fun. She made friends easily and consistently made efforts to keep those bonds of friendship strong. She would constantly encourage her friends, love them, share joy in their successes, and do her best to comfort them in times of grief. Her friendship was cherished by many, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, empathy and dedication.

Throughout her life, Leanne remained health conscious and pursued a very active lifestyle. You would often find her running, biking or working out at the gym on a regular basis. She especially enjoyed downhill skiing. If she hadn’t been in such great health, she may likely not have survived her first bout with cancer in 2006. The disease was kept at bay for nearly 15 years but then a different cancer reared its ugly head in 2021. This time Leanne had to fight even harder than she did the first time around. She suffered greatly. That she was able to hang on for another three years is testament to her determination, resilience, and the intense love she felt for God, family and friends. 

Leanne’s faith in God was unshakeable. For the last few years of her life, her favourite activity was to attend the Thursday evening prayer room at Portage Evangelical Church. Despite the immense daily physical, mental and emotional pain she was feeling, this is where she found comfort and was most at peace. It is with our deep and everlasting gratitude that the community there surrounded her with such unrelenting love.

Leanne’s presence in the world will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  Revelations 21:4

Visitation and Viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel from 7-8 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2 pm at the Portage Evangelical Church, 72 3rd St. NE, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view click below. A private interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Leanne’s memory to the charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com