October 23rd, 1941 – September 14th, 2015
Anne passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital on September 14th with her husband by her side, a few days after suffering a massive stroke. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Claire Leonard and is survived by her husband of 53 years, John; daughters Karen, Anne-Marie and Jacqueline; grandchildren Alex, Tony, Dalton, Aisha, Dario and Julian, and sister Margaret.
Anne was born in Kingston, Ontario and adopted into the Leonard family as a toddler. She graduated as a nurse from Kingston General Hospital School of Nursing in 1962 and, soon after, married a lad she first met on a blind date at RMC. For the next 33 years, she followed him on postings ranging from Prince Edward Island to California, often having to set up house on her own while her husband flew off to places unknown – a typical, long-suffering military wife! Eventually, it came time to retire, and the chosen spot was the Comox Valley, a choice never regretted.
In her day, Anne was a renowned wood carver, but she is best remembered as a good mother, who raised her children to be compassionate, well-spoken and well-mannered. Qualities continued in her grandchildren.
Anne made many friends in the Valley and was well-known for her shopping skills and for her ardent pursuit of garage sales. As time went on, she encountered and bravely fought a number of ailments, most recently Alzheimer’s disease, but she never complained or lost her sweet nature.
Our thanks go to the fine staff at Glacier View Lodge Day Program, who gave Anne so much enjoyment during her last years; to her doctors and St. Joseph’s Hospital ER staff, who dealt sympathetically with her decline; and to St. Joseph’s 3rd floor staff, who cared for her at the end. Also our thanks to the home-care workers who gave her companionship along with care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 1599 Tunner Drive, Courtenay on Friday, September 18th at 11:00am with a reception to follow at the same location. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance may be made to the Glacier View Lodge Day Program or to the charity of your choice.