We Remember

FRIESEN, Leona

—

Our beautiful mother, wife, grandmother, sister, friend of many, has been released to her heavenly home, on Monday, June 17, surrounded with love by her children and husband.  She was born on November 16, 1932.  After a lengthy illness of cancer, our mother was released of her suffering.  She did not let the diagnosis of cancer define her, but joyfully led an active life; hiking and walking, playing ping pong and other games with her husband Jake; quilting, gardening and volunteering at the Upper Room Mission, which was one of her great joys.  She had the gift of hospitality and often had people over for meals or coffee.  She was a good listener and always interested in the details of other people’s lives, encouraging them and praying for them.  She loved her children and grandchildren. Leona leaves to mourn her beloved husband and best friend Jake: they were in their 58th year of marriage; her four children Grace (Steve Wulff), Valerie (Dave Warkentin), Randy Friesen (Ingrid), and Cathy Hardy.  She loved her nine grandchildren, two grandchildren by marriage and three great grandsons.  A great granddaughter is also on the way. She was predeceased by son-in-law Andrew Lacoursiere and grandson Christian Friesen.  She also leaves to mourn two brothers and a host of family and friends.  A memorial service for Leona will be held on June 29 at 1:00 pm, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Vernon BC.  Should family and friends desire, memorial donations may be made to New Hope for Widow/ers (www.newhope-grief.org) or Upper Room Mission (http://www.vernonurm.org/).  The family wishes to thank the Cancer Unit in Vernon, Dr. Gavin Smart and the North Okanagan Hospice House for their excellent care.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Saturday, June 29 at 1:00 pm

Location
Emmanuel Baptist Church

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Send Condolences
New Hope for Widow/ers (www.newhope-grief.org) or Upper Room Mission (http://www.vernonurm.org/).

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for FRIESEN, Leona is scheduled for Saturday, June 29 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Emmanuel Baptist Church

3412 - 15 Avenue Vernon BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Abraham & Gerry Friesen says:
    June 20, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    We have known Leone for 51+ years and always found her to be so happy, friendly and secure in her Christian life. She was a person we all hoped to emulate. She truly was a Servant in the light of Christ her Savior.
    Gerry and Abe Friesen, Fresno, CA.

    Reply
  • Frank & Marg Martens says:
    June 20, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    The New Hope Retreats weren’t complete without the friendly face & willing hands of Leona. We really learned to love and appreciate her.

    Reply
  • Upper Room Mission says:
    June 21, 2013 at 11:27 am

    We will miss your lovely smile, amazing energy, and willing hands. Love and prayers to all of the family…

    Reply
  • Linda L. Price says:
    June 22, 2013 at 5:12 am

    …thank you for your friendly smile. You have been such an encouragement to those around you for your faithful service.

    When we put on our volunteer Christmas party at the Upper Room Mission, I remember chatting with you and your husband as you came through the doors. What struck me as encouragement to me, was that you and your husband walked from your home in the cold winter months to come to the Christmas gathering at the Upper Room Mission, for me that was amazing dedication.

    Not only did you walk to the Upper Room Mission in the cold winter month of December, but you and your husband walked in the fundraiser that we held, “The Coldest Night of the Year” to raise awareness to the homelessness in the cold winter months and to raise money for the Upper Room Mission. You did the 5k walk. What an amazing lady you were. I am happy to have know such an inspiring lady of God’s strength and courage. Thank you.

    Reply
  • Erna & Peter D. Friesen says:
    June 22, 2013 at 3:12 pm

    Dear Jake and Family, we grieve with you at the loss of your Dear wife and Mother but not as those without hope. Together with you we celebrate Leona’s life and her Victorious entry into her Eternal rest, safe in the arms of Jesus! Erna & Peter

    Reply
  • Erna & Peter D. Friesen says:
    June 23, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Dear Jake & Family! We grieve with you, but not as those without hope, but rejoice with you because Leona is absent from the body and is in the presence of our Lord and Saviour! Erna and Peter

    Reply
  • Lorne and Ann Welwood says:
    June 26, 2013 at 6:40 am

    Jake and family, we are in the “sister, friend of many” category mentioned above. Since Ann “took over” from Leona working with birthmothers at Burden Bearers in 1984, we have counted Jake and Leona as dear friends and siblings in the family of God. Only when we join her in heaven might we get a glimpse of th thousands of lives Leona impacted for good. Jake and family, you can rejoice and be justifiably proud to be related to her.

    Reply
  • Erika Nunnikhoven says:
    June 26, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Dear Randy,
    My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. While I never had the pleasure of meeting her you so often spoke of both your parents with such love and pride I have no doubt your mother was an amazing woman. I hope you find strength from the love and support of family and friends during this difficult time.

    Reply
  • Elizabeth Drews says:
    June 27, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    Randy, my thoughts are with you and your family, especially your dad. While I only had the pleasure of meeting Leona a couple of times, I feel like I knew her through the stories you shared. Her grace and kindness, along with the love she felt for your dad and family were so evident in those stories and I know how much she will be missed.

    Reply
  • Len Sawatsky says:
    July 4, 2013 at 5:46 am

    Sad to lose another cousin, especially a kind-hearted soul like Leona. My regrets for not being able to be at the funeral. Peace and strength to Jake and family.

    Reply
  • Bob and Lois Brown says:
    July 7, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Jake and family – we have such fond memories of Leona and you all from our time in Abbotsford. Leona was always such a joy to be around. We send our love to you all. Love from Bob & Lois Brown, now of Sidney, BC

    Reply
  • Clara Wiebe says:
    July 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your wife Leona.I am reminded of my sister Mary who has gone on before as well and am sending a photo of the 4 cousins Mary, Allan, Ted and Leona
    Our love and prayers are with you.
    Clara & Walter Wiebe

    Reply

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Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

You provide a wonderful service for people going through a traumatic time.  Thank You.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at Springfield Funeral Home was exemplary.

 

Kim McCaveney