Mary Leonard
d. November 3, 2012
Mary Louise Leonard
(nee De Jonckheere)
Peacefully on Saturday, November 3, 2012 Mary Leonard passed away at the Portage District General Hospital, Portage la Prairie at the age of 98 years. She was predeceased by beloved husband Roger T. Leonard; parents Camiel and Florence (nee Vanneste) De Jonckheere; son Roger C. Leonard; brothers Jerry and Charlie De Jonckheere; sister Emily Van Lancker; and nephew-in-law George Snare.
Mary is survived by her son Dennis Leonard of Southport; son Richard (Viviane) Leonard with granddaughter Natalie all of Winnipeg; daughter-in-law Mona Leonard with grandchildren Tina (Jim) Huta and Darren (Chantale) Leonard with great grandchildren Austin and Tia all of Winnipeg; nephew Ernest (Stella) Aganier with great nephew Adrian and great niece Andrea; niece Lorraine Snare and her children Kris, George, Frank and David; and Goddaughter Carol (Grant) Markiewich.
Mary was born in Winnipeg, MB on November 10, 1913. In her youth she was a Floor lady in the Shortening Dept. at Canada Packers. Her husband Roger was a CNR telegrapher, a station agent and then a terminal operator. They lived in Rivers, Langbrank, SK, Winnipeg, and places along the CN line during his 46 year career.
Mary was proud of her father Camiel DeJonckheere, a Belgian Blacksmith who worked as a labourer, learned English and became a highly valued Superintendent for Nelson River Construction.
Mary was very active and belonged to many organizations including Belgian Sacred Heart Church, Legion of Mary, CWL, Belgian Club (seniors), St. Joseph's Academy, Lions Hockey Club and Twin Beaches Beach Association.
The Leonard Family deeply appreciated the health care provided by Dr. Brett Finney, Portage Hospital ECU nurses, and staff and home care providers. Thanks to Reverend Eric Giddins and the Good Shepherd Pastoral team for Mary's spiritual care.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 24, at 10:30 am at the Holy Cross Church, 252 Dubuc St., Winnipeg, MB, led by Reverend Martin Bradbury. Interment will follow in the family plot at the Belgian Sacred Heart Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends wish, donations may be made in Mary's memory to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com