LEONA AMY FOSTER

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LEONA AMY FOSTER (COWAN, MARKS) August 28, 1926 - June 20, 2015 Leona passed at the Seine River Residence in Winnipeg. She is lovingly remembered by her children Shirley and Murray (Anita), her grandchildren Shannon (Chris), Sherrie (Scott), Lee (Leanne), Chris, Jeff (Debbie), Kevin, Michael (Suxia), and Carol (Scott), and her 11 great-grandchildren. Leona is survived by her siblings Stan (Ann), Lawrence (Joyce), Marjorie (Bob) and Barbara (Gregg). She was predeceased by parents Frank and Elsie (Hanson); brothers Orville, Lorne, Doug, Raymond and Robert; children Robert and Judy, and husbands Leonard Cowan and Jack Foster. Leona was born at the Mason's North farm at Newdale, Manitoba. In 1929 the family moved to the Marks farm at Newdale. Leona grew up in a large family, taking an active part helping raise her younger siblings. Leona attended school in Newdale and worked in the community, saving to go to Normal School. She had a varied career, teaching at Montcalm School, Basswood, Rivers, and Pinawa, MB, St. Foy, PQ, Iran, and Fort Frances, ON. In 1948, Leona married Leonard Cowan. They farmed near Cardale, Manitoba, raising a family of four children. She enjoyed gardening, planting huge vegetable and flower gardens. Leona was also an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing the bounty of her garden and her table with many. After Leonard's death, Leona supported her family through her teaching. Leona married Jack Foster in 1971, moving to Quebec City. From there they travelled all over Eastern Canada. She and Jack lived and worked in Iran for three years, travelling extensively in the Middle East and in Europe. Their travels and adventures were one of the highlights of her life. In 1977 they moved to Fort Frances, Ontario, where Leona developed her artistic talents, sketching and painting the scenery of the area. After Jack's retirement they bought a house in Winnipeg where she turned her creativity to developing show-stopping flower gardens in her yard. Leona enjoyed nature and wildlife. She got great pleasure from observing and feeding birds, squirrels and deer both at her home on Greendell and at her residence on the Seine River. Leona loved life and her family and friends. She touched the lives of all who met her with her outgoing personality. Leona will be missed. A celebration of Leona's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2015 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humane Society at winnipeghumanesocietydonor.ca, or the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation. D1003-409 Tache Ave. Winnipeg, R2H 929. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2015