Leona Turenne (née Leona Lewis)

October 1, 1929 – October 18, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother, Leona Turenne. She passed away peacefully in her sleep in her 97th year.

Her devoted children, Darlene and Wayne, her beloved grandchildren: Clayton, Tristen, Michelle, and Stephen; and her treasured great-grandchildren: Austin, Emma, Alex, and Ari are left to mourn her. Her family was her cherished pride and joy, and she never missed an opportunity to be with them—whether for a celebration, a casual visit, or a friendly game around the table.

Leona was predeceased by and leaves us to join her parents, Dora and Andrew Lewis; her beloved siblings: Sonia, Marjorie (Matte Reutcky), John (Mary), Michael (Anne), Lorne (Mary), Eugene, Samuel and Wilfred.

She lived a long and full life marked by hard work, love, laughter, and the joy of family. Though she reached an impressive age, she retained her sprightly disposition and remained forever young at heart—quick with a joke, ready with a smile and an inspiring love of nature, especially flowers and butterflies.

A lifelong lover of games, Leona could always be counted on to join in a hand of Bridge or Euchre, a game of Bingo or Uno, or a competitive match of Poker. Whether playing with longtime companions or new friends, she brought warmth, wit, and laughter to every gathering.

She was a strong independent woman who worked for 12 years with her sister in Sonia’s beauty salon in Montreal. In 1970, Leona returned to Winnipeg and pursued a career as a librarian at Red River Community College, Manitoba’s largest college. She retired after 20 years, having acquired the position of Acquisition Librarian.

Leona now rests peacefully, reunited with her dear parents and her sisters and brothers whom she missed so deeply. While her presence will be sorely missed, her legacy of joy, connection, and unshakable spirit lives on in all who knew and loved her.

We will be laying Leona’s ashes in the cemetery of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Gonor, Manitoba on Saturday, November 8th at 12:30. A small memorial get together with light refreshments will follow from 2:00-4:00 at Resto Gare Bisto, 630 rue Des Meurons, St. Boniface.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Association and spend time with your loved ones, share a laugh, or play a game in Leona's memory.

She played the game of life with grace—and now, her next chapter has begun.