Obituary of Leona Catherine Kirkpatrick

KIRKPATRICK: Leona Catherine (nee Hodson). It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Leona on October 19, 2017 at the age of 86 years. Leona was born May 14, 1931 in Virden, MB to Kay and Norman Hodson. She will be deeply missed by her husband Neil of 61 years, sons Colin (Arlene), Brad (Noreen), Sandi (Brian), seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, brother Innes Hodson (Joan), sisters Norma Hodson (Ian) and Gwen Harris (Henry), sister-in-law Ina Franks. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law Ivan Franks in 2009. As the eldest of four she grew up on the family farm at Lenore, MB. Leona attended school in Bredalbin, Lenore and Virden and then obtained a Diploma in Nursing from the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1953. Leona and Neil were married in 1955 and raised their family on the farm near Kemnay. Leona continued nursing part time while raising their family and returned full time to the maternity ward at Brandon General Hospital in 1980, retiring in 1991. Leona loved her time in the maternity ward and enjoyed using these skills with the arrival of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In retirement Leona enjoyed horseback riding, golfing, gardening, baking, travelling, spending time with grandchildren and until recently remained involved in the farm. She also volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society and Fairview Nursing Home in Brandon and was a volunteer grandma at the Brandon Hospital maternity ward. Leona took great interest in her childrens' and grandchildrens' activities and accomplishments, attending many football, curling, hockey, soccer and lacrosse games, swim meets, rodeos and 4H shows. Her kind, gentle manner will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A Celebration of Leona's life will be held Wednesday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Central United Church, 327 8th Street, Brandon, MB. Donations in memory of Leona may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415 - 1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8.