Leona Joan Dawe
March 21, 1935~Feb 29 2024
Our dear Leona, peacefully surrounded by love has entered into her eternal rest.
Leona was amazing, talented, passionate, caring, and funny….she has touched and influenced so many in her almost 89 years.
Survived by her son Robert (Onaping), nieces Leslie Menard, Lisa Teske, and their families (Barrie) as well as many other nieces and nephews throughout Canada.
Predeceased by her husband Norm Dawe, her parents Saimi (Bontinen) and Len Sabourin, sister Jeanine Sabourin and her brother Robert Sabourin.
Her family originated from Happy Valley, the first settlement in the Falconbridge area. During the years her Dad (Len), served in the second world war (1939-1946), Leona, her Mom and brother moved to Frood Road/Donovan area. Once Len came home in the fall of 1946, they moved to Minnow Lake, then to Onaping when Len acquired a full-time job with Falconbridge (early 1950’s).
Leona met the love of her life Norman Clifford Dawe in Levack, they were married May 24th, 1958. In the spring of 1966 Robert John was born, together they raised their son and made Levack their home for some 60+ years. Their home was always open and welcoming for anyone to pop in for a visit. A hot cup of tea, treats or Norms homemade stew were generously offered while laughing and storytelling around the table for hours.
Leona became an active volunteer involved in many community activities. She was an extremely talented and creative seamstress, gifted at crochet and knitting. She was an entrepreneur and businesswoman sewing and selling her products through her successful business, Leona Dawe Creations. Leona leveraged her countless skills, teaching her craft in classes from her home, as well as through Cambrian College with 2023 marking her 50th year teaching in the community.
Leona had many passions from her love of music to swimming and baking however, her favourite past time was to watch figure skating. Devoting many years to the local skating club by designing and creating costumes for the skaters. She also spent many hours at the local rink supporting her son Robert during his figure skating and formattable hockey days. Sitting in the stands with her knitting/crocheting in tote.
Her sense of humour, spirit for life and a good time was contagious. She had a heartfelt devotion to keep in touch with family and friends with a phone call, handwritten note, a memorable card or baking and gifting her ‘famous’ Rum Cake.
Leona had a natural flair for fashion and design always ‘dressed to the nines’. Whether running errands, shopping in town or playing a round of golf, Leona was easy to recognize in a refined outfit adorned with a matching hat and scarf, with her love and accumulation of footwear almost as impressive as her hat collection. Always classy and gracious.
As an avid golfer, Leona had the privilege of travelling and competing in golf tournaments around the province, taking home many trophies. The Onaping Falls Ladies golf nights and shenanigans with the ‘fearsome foursome’ were some of her favorite memories. She had one heck of a swing and boy could she drive a golf cart…
Leona loved dogs! Any dog, anywhere, she would stop to ask if she could pet it and chat with the owner about the dog. She missed her Mugsy and Annabelle.
She had a tremendous love and pride for her community, she was an integral member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Levack, last summer celebrating her 70th year with the Catholic Woman’s League. She will truly be missed.
To all of Leona’s cherished friends, thank you for your unwavering love, laughter, care, patience, and support. You meant the world to her.
To all who supported Leona: Dr Laski and staff, Care and Community Access teams, Dr Rock, HSN nurses, psw’s, support staff (north tower 8th and 4th floors). Pioneer Manor Mallard/Lilac wing. Renee Schilkie and team at Park Lawn Cemetery. For your gifts of sincere care, compassion and guidance, the Family thanks you!
On Saturday June 22nd at 11:30am a Funeral Mass will be held at St Bartholomew’s Church (30 Church Street Levack, ON), Interment at Maplecrest Cemetery (595 Simmons Road, Dowling, ON), Celebration of Life/luncheon to follow at the Golden Age Club (109 Service Road, Onaping, ON) 1:00-5:00 pm
In lieu of flowers we kindly request a donation in Leona’s name to: The SPCA (ontariospca.ca) or YMCA~Northeastern Ontario Branch(ymcanortheasternontario.ca)(705 688 7300 ext 2141)
Leona is at peace, while her final years had been challenging, as best she could, she managed through her ‘go with the flow’ mentality to make the best of her time as she faced it.
She deeply missed her husband of 60 years and will now forever be in his arms.
As Leona would say, ‘Love you Big, Bye for Now..’!
Arrangements entrusted to Sudbury Park Lawn Cremation Services.