Obituary of LÉONA GLORIA GAUDRY

August 3, 1940 - May 6, 2022

Our mom Léona was a heart full of sunshine.  She was thoughtful with her words, kind and generous.  She carried herself with constant grace.  Her beauty often compared to that of a great starlet.

Her love story with Neil Gaudry was an epic tale like no other.  Always side by side, mom and dad lived life to the fullest.  Whether it be work or play they were tireless.  Always involved in the Saint Boniface community to no end.  From our beach life in St. Laurent to their travels abroad, life was spectacular.

Though how could it be that twice in a lifetime she had to endure loss so unimaginable.  Our dad Neil passed away in 1999, then our brother Pete in 2001.  We know her heart never healed though in true Léona fashion, she carried on for her children, Roger and Nicole.  Thanks mom…we needed you.

Mom, it is impossible to summarize your life of grandeur.  What you did, who you touched, the lady of great stature you became.  From your penmanship to your knowledge.  We have pictures to tell stories and your skilled written word to look back on.  A quiet lady you had many layers to discover.  Into your sixties you traveled with a group of Métis, along the Pembina Trail, camping outdoors for several days for the first time in your life.  Well into your seventies you ensured that all holidays were still celebrated with style.  You said to us on more than one occasion: “On a besoins de noël.”

To the first woman I ever met, mom you are my treasure.  The past 20 years or so with you were my pleasure, my fortune and so much more beyond words that a daughter could ever imagine.  Roger too is at a loss for words.  The bond of a first-born son was evident in your last days. You held his hand until your last breath.  Léona Gloria Rainville Gaudry you radiated all that is good.

Now you are yesterday’s loss, today’s grief, we are not able to imagine the outcome of our tomorrows without you.  Your love helped us walk through life.  If only, darling mom we could turn back the years.

You will be the person Roger and I miss most in this lifetime.

Your hardworking hands served you well until you could no more.  Now you must continue your journey with Dad and Pete.  Someday we will see those sparkling blue eyes and know we are safe again.

Léona Gaudrys family invites everyone who wishes to do so to replace flowers by making a donation to the Centre Neil-Gaudry Center, Saint Laurent, Manitoba, R0C 2S0.

Prayers will be held on Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Laurent Roman Catholic Church, St. Laurent, MB, followed by Funeral Liturgy starting at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Laurent Roman Catholic Cemetery. 

“Quand j’aime…j’aime pour toujours.”