Leona Josephine Sherette/Genge/Thorsen/Leader, late of Prince Albert, SK., passed away on March 5, 2015, at the age of 99 years. Leona was born in St. Maries Idaho, on September 15, 1915, the second daughter of Delight (Robinson) Sherette, and ‘Curly’ Alvin Edward Sherette. As a young girl, she and her family moved to the Forest Gate District north of Paddockwood, SK., where they farmed. At fifteen years of age, she worked in a butcher shop learning the trade, and from there began cooking in northern camps. Cooking became her career, and she will be remembered by many for her good food, and especially her pastry. Her butter tarts were simply the best. Leona married “Harry” Henry William Genge in October, 1934, and lived on the farm north of Paddockwood. In 1936, Leona and Harry moved to the Prince Albert National Park, where Harry was a Park Warden. They had two children, Edward George, who lived only one week after his birth, and Fernelle Bernice. In November of 1966, she married her childhood sweetheart, Raleigh Thorsen, and together, they made their home in Edmonton. When Raleigh retired, they moved back to Prince Albert, then to Christopher Lake, so they could be close to grandchildren. Leona spent many hours with her grand kids, and took them on adventures that they still reminisce over. She was a kind, generous, fun loving person. She loved to sing and dance, and play. She was a great person to harmonize all the “oldies” with; and she always had a beautiful garden with many flowers. On November 2, 1996 Leona married Jack Leader. They loved to go to the Pines for picnics, and watch the birds, and the beaver, and any other animals that crossed their path. They also enjoyed the fellowship of their church. When Leona was no longer able to care for herself safely, she moved to the Wellspring Care Home, where Lois and her staff treated her with dignity and respect. She loved to go out to eat, have her hair done every week, and go on cook-outs. In September 2007, Leona moved into the Herb Bassett Care Home. She blossomed with the loving care from the staff, and the social activities that she always loved. She still looked forward to having her hair done each week. Over the past three years, she has gradually become more frail, but her gratitude, her sense of humour, and her love for life was always evident. Leona was predeceased by her son Edward George Genge, her parents Delight and Curly Sherette, her sisters: Leatha Wilks and Lester Conger; and her husbands: Raleigh Thorsen and Jack Leader. Leona will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Fern, her son-in-law Wayne, her grandchildren: Kendra (Bernie), Heather (Cory) and their children Hannah, Hailey, and Charley; Erin (Darcy) and their children Sarah and Tyce; and David (Lauren) and their son Lennon. This lovely, vibrant, eccentric Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, Aunt and friend will be missed, and certainly remembered. Until we meet again, Love from us all. Her funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, 130 9th St. E, Prince Albert, SK, with Pastor Dennis Serfas officiating. Interment at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens, followed by lunch at the Royal Canadian Legion. Memorial donations would be gratefully accepted to the Herb Bassett Home 1220 25th St. W, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T4, or the Prince Albert Cooperative Health Centre, 110 8th St E, Prince Albert, SK S6V 0V7. Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.MacKenzieChapel.ca

• Date : 2015-03-05
• Location : Prince Albert, SK