Dick, Leona

The family of LEONA DICK (nee Klassen), wife of the late Henry John Dick, are saddened to announce their beloved mother's peaceful passing at the Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. 

Leona was born to her Russian Mennonite parents Henry and Katherine Klassen in a small rural farmhouse in Coaldale, Alberta on August 1, 1926. She was the middle child of ten siblings, including Jake, Henry, Rudy, Bertha, Anne, Mary, John, Len, Waldy and Irene. 

The family eventually settled in farming community of Vauxhall, Alberta, helping to form the core of the Vauxhall Mennonite Church community, where Leona developed her faith that supported her throughout her life. Leona loved attending school, until she was needed at home to support her mother in the care of her younger siblings. 

The Klassens resided on the "Stock Farm", which provided a beautiful house and yard and became the center of many Church Young People's gatherings. It was there, on Leona's 16^th birthday, that Henry decided that she was the one for him, and Leona agreed! They were married on December 28, 1944, a marriage of commitment and love that endured and grew stronger through 77 years until Henry's passing on March 20, 2022. 

In 1952, Leona and Henry obtained their irrigation farmstead in North Hays on the "Loop", where they raised their five children: three sons - Ron (Linda), Allan (Anne Mundt) and Wayne, and two daughters - Wendy Timmermans and Barb (Rod) Lanser. 

Leona loved the farm in all four seasons. She worked tirelessly to support the farming operation, and to create a beautiful farmscape of flowers, lawns, trees and garden. But more than anything, she created a home that welcomed everyone. She was the essence of love, and her beautiful nature had the ability to make everyone feel nurtured and cared for. Her children and grandchildren loved their time at the farm, where so many wonderful memories were formed. Leona's warmth and generosity extended beyond her family. They took in foster children and provided care for Leona's mother as well. 

When Wayne started school, Leona became a teaching assistant at Hays School. She loved the community and the microcosm of the school, the camaraderie of the staff, and the interaction with the children. She was kindness personified. 

In 1988, Leona and Henry made the momentous move to Lethbridge. Although this was 'retirement', both Leona and Henry quickly became caught up in volunteer opportunities as well as more time for sharing time with their friends and family. They strongly supported the Lethbridge Mennonite Church, which continued to nurture their faith. Leona volunteered many hours with the PARTY program - Prevent Alcohol Related Trauma in Youth at the Chinook Regional Hospital for grade nine students. After undergoing treatment for breast cancer, she volunteered with the Reach for Recovery program to support other women with that dreadful diagnosis. She really enjoyed time at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization, with the social and exercise programs. She provided loyal support and counsel to Henry in all of his endeavors. He often said that she was his best and wisest listener, a true helpmate. 

Family times continued; grandkids always knew there was ice cream and sprinkles, butterhorns and cinnamon buns at Grandma's! Card games - rummy, Uno, tile rummy, dice - Grandma always had time to play and to hug. There were many happy celebrations of anniversaries and birthdays. 

Throughout her later years, Leona was challenged with many health concerns. But for her, age was only a number, not a predictor. Her recovery always seemed to surprise others, but we could say, "But you don't know our mom!" She exemplified love, commitment, kindness and determination, which kept her coming back. She and Henry had a deep and abiding love, and she wanted to be as able as she could possibly be for him.

In the past few years, because of their diminishing health, Henry and Leona moved several times to facilities in Lethbridge that could support their growing needs. They moved from River Ridge to Elim Village, and then to Legacy Lodge. Upon Henry's passing in March 2022, Leona decided that she would like to be closer to her children, and in August, she moved to Airdrie Care Community. Leona was always so thankful for the support and care from her friends and the care facilities; leaving her friends and her church community was difficult. 

In this past December, our lives were all enriched by the wonderful family time we celebrated with our Mom. She participated in a ZOOM call celebrating her sister Bertha's 100th birthday. She had phone visits with friends; she had visits with all of her children, several grandchildren and great-grands, and we shared an early Christmas dinner. She was so happy! 

Leona passed peacefully at the Foothills Medical Centre on the morning of December 20, 2022, after suffering a stroke three days prior. We grieve at her passing, but also celebrate the long, amazing life and love that she shared with us. 

Through the years, our parents' cherished family grew to include their children and their partners, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. Leona is also survived by her siblings (and their partners) Bertha, Anne, John, Waldy and Irene, many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved Henry, son-in-law John Timmermans and daughter-in-law Susan Dick. 

Thank you to everyone who has enriched Leona's life with your love, support and friendship over the years. Thank you to our church and extended family, and to the many caregivers who provided comfort, stability and security in Leona's daily life. We are forever grateful. 

The final celebration of our precious Leona's life has been arranged, with a Viewing at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32nd Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, January 13th, 2023, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. 

The Funeral Service will be held at the LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH, 4303-3rd Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Ryan Dueck officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Leona's obituary on the Cornerstone website. 

Leona will be laid to rest with her beloved Henry in the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery. 

Donations in Leona's memory may be made to: Lethbridge Mennonite Church, 4303-3rd Ave. South, Lethbridge AB T1J 0C9; or to the charity of choice. 

Leona, you gave us Faith, Hope and Love. The greatest of these is Love.

Rest in peace, our dearest Mom!