Cowan: Leona Jean (nee Swaenepoel). On Monday May 20, 2019 at the age of 71 years Leona passed away surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Leona was born in the Souris Hospital on June 20, 1947 along with her twin sister Linda to parents Frank and Edna Swaenepoel. Leona attended school in Carroll and Souris. Following graduation she worked in the Royal Bank before taking her nurses training in Brandon and graduated as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. She worked in Winnipeg, Brandon and Souris then Dinsdale Personal Care Home where she was employed for over 30 years as the director of patient care. To quote Major Wilson Perrin of the Salvation Army in reference to Leona “her compassion, kindness and attention to detail in her work was excellent. She was a generous person and gave unselfishly to everything she put her hands too.”
Leona is survived by her beloved son Richard, and the joy of her life-her granddaughter Hannah; sister Gwen (Glen) Barclay, brother John (Vonna) Swaenepoel, many nieces and nephews who all had a very close bond with Aunt “Nonnie.” Leona was predeceased by her parents and her twin sister Linda Demer.
A celebration of Leona’s life was held at the Souris Legion Clubroom on May 24, 2019. A private interment was held in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery with Reverend Harvey Hurren officiating. In memory of Leona donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Maier, the doctors and staff of Cancer Care and the staff of Brandon Palliative Care for their excellent care.
In memory of Leona, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
Please accept my sincere condolences to all of Leona’s family . She was an amazing woman & a compassionate, strong mentor. It was a privilege to have known her & worked with her. She will be missed very much. Thoughts & prayers to all of her family. May she rest in peace. Sincerely Vicky Bell
To Richard , family and friends
Our sincere sympathies go out to you all. Leona was a wonderful role model and mentor to me as I learned the role of Long Term Care Administrator. Her compassion, kindness and attention to detail in her work was excellent. She was a generous person and gave unselfishly to anything she put her hands to.
God bless and comfort you all.
To Rick, Hannah and Family,
My most sincere condolences on the loss of your mom and grandmother. I have only the most fondest memories Leona and will be forever grateful she was a part of my life. Take care of each other.
Sincerely,
Faye Billington
This wonderful lady will be missed by many friends and collegues. So kind, thoughtful, and compassionate. Rest in Peace.
Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing rick
Stacey Pearce (wismer)
Condolences to the family. Sending thoughts and prayers at this time. I remember fondly her very infectious laughter. She will be missed my many.
Our condolences to Leona’s family. She will be missed by many.
My heart goes out to the family Leona was an amazing women I was privileged to have worked for her. I will always be grateful for everything she did for me