Leona Painter

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leona Painter on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 81 years.

Left to mourn her passing, her husband Ron; children Ed (Nancy), Diane (Bob) Neufeld and Rob (Lisa); grandchildren Amy (Amiee), Andrea, James (Ashley), Jessica (Scott), Jennifer (Rodney) and James (Merissa); great-grandchildren Lily and Jack; step-grandchildren Jason, Jaime and Andy; brother Ed (Mary Rose); nephews Alfonse (Laurie) and Adrian (Cindy); large number of extended family on the Painter side, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Leona was born at home in the Grey Municipality in Manitoba.  Some years later her family moved to the Lavenham area where she walked through the field to attend Clairmont School. She enjoyed the farm life, playing and caring for the animals alongside her parents and brother.

On a visit to her parents home Ron met Leona and they began dating.  They married on June 2, 1956 and farmed for a short time near Lavenham before moving to Portage la Prairie.  They began raising their family of three children in Portage before returning to farm life in the Edwin area in 1971 where they started a dairy farm.  Mom loved being out with the cattle, milking, feeding and caring for them.  She knew exactly which black and white cow it was by name, she always said, each one is different you can tell!!

Mom was a strong willed and hard working women, she grew a garden, canning and preserving the produce for her family to enjoy.  She took pride in her African Violet Collection that lined her window sills inside the house.  She enjoyed sewing, making a lot of her own and her daughters clothing.  She was also very crafty and became a 4H leader sharing her knowledge with many children.  Mom also enjoyed her get togethers with the Rossendale and Area Ladies, they were “The Happy Gang”.  They often had all the families get together to enjoy many bonfires and wiener roasts.

Mom was a caring person always wanting to know how everyone was and what they’ve been up to and sending well wishes.  Mom and Dad retired from the dairy in 1988 remaining in the Edwin area on the farm.

Mom loved their camping trips with friends and family, along with fishing trips at the lake.  Mom and Dad moved to Portage in 2014, where they resided in Queens Court until the time of Mom’s passing.

Private services will take place at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church with burial at the Rossendale Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Leona’s memory to a charity of one's choice.

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