Obituary of Laura Wielenga

Laura Wielenga

1960-2024

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Laura Wielenga, of Brandon Manitoba, on February 12, 2024.

Laura Leah Leeson was born June 16, 1960 in Atikokan, Ontario, she lived there until her late teenage years, when she joined her sister in Brandon, Manitoba.  Laura was married to Leo Wielenga in 1982.  She gave birth to her daughter Melissa later that year, and her son Jesse in 1986.  The couple was divorced a short time later.

Laura worked at the Brandon Regional Health Centre for many years, making connections and friendships that lasted her lifetime. 

In her earlier years, Laura was known for enjoying a good time.  She loved to spend her Saturday mornings in a coffee shop and her Saturday evenings at the North 40 with friends and family. 

Life slowed down for Laura when an injury led to the end of her work life, followed by numerous health and personal challenges through the years.  In the last 15 years alone, Laura managed to beat cancer, 3 times!  She still loved her coffee, but it changed to Tim Hortons, and she was happiest while going through other's old treasures at garage sales and thrift shops.  She also developed a love for hockey and hockey cards.

Her life was forever changed and brighter when the true loves of her life came along.  Her name changed to “Gran” starting with Emmett in 2012, Arturo in 2014, followed by Maxine and Julius in 2015.  

Left to mourn Laura are her daughter Melissa (Steve) McArthur, and their two children Emmett and Maxine; son Jesse Wielenga, and his sons Arturo and Julius, along with their mom Jennifer;  sisters Carol Leeson, Pat (Don) Thorson, Sharon Leeson (Steve Jewett), Merelene Leeson (Brian Moore), Robin (Ted) Ireland; nieces Pam (John) Daley, Tara Falk, Cathy Lebreton, Lisa Falk, Cheryl Falk, Jennifer Falk,  Shelley Campbell, Tanna Thorson, Sam Jewett; nephews, Don Thorson, Bobby Thorson (Tracy Jalava), Gary Gouliquer, Steven (Cheyenne) Leeson, Dillan (Jen) Jewett. Also left to mourn Laura are many great nephews, nieces, cousins and other extended family members, and her chosen family Kelly Higgs (Rob Foster).  Once Laura considered you family, you remained a family member to her.  This included divorced family members, friends, their children and her children's friends and families.  

Laura was predeceased by her mother Arvella Leeson, father Merrell Leeson, sister Beverly Leeson, brothers James (Jimmy) Leeson and Fredric (Freddy) Leeson, sister-in-law Suzanne Leeson; nieces Janice Falk, Charlene Hooper

A celebration of Laura’s life will be held at a later date, yet to be determined. 

Laura always did the best with what she had.  Next time you have a Tim Hortons coffee, and it has to be Tim Hortons, think of her.

Donations can be made in Laura’s name to Super Thrift Brandon, 127 7^th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 3S5 or by visiting their webpage at https://teenchallenge.tc/donate.