SHARON L. LEONHARD

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SHARON L. LEONHARD On Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Sharon Leonhard passed away at age 65 at the Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, following a long illness. Sharon is survived by her devoted brother, Jack, her uncle William (Bill) and aunt Margaret Maslanko and relatives in Winnipeg, British Columbia and Ontario, and by many, many friends who will miss her spirit, her kindness and the love she showed to all. She was predeceased by her loving mother Pauline and her grandparents Hryhory (Harry) and Maria Maslanko, by her father, Jacob (Jack) Leonhard, and by her aunt Stella Maslanko, uncle Walter Maslanko, uncle Bohdan and aunt Patricia Maslanko. Sharon, born in Winnipeg, November 18, 1947, spent some of her early years in Vancouver, and came back to Manitoba when her family moved to Transcona, which always remained her affectionate home, wherever else she was. She attended school there through high school at Transcona Collegiate Institute, and then attended the University of Manitoba where she received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees. She worked many part time jobs, including as an elevator operator at Eaton's while maintaining high standings in her academic courses. She received many scholarships and bursaries which enabled her to complete her studies. Sharon's life centered around making life better for others, which was an expression of her devotion to her faith. She took great pride in being a public servant and had great respect for and belief in what that meant. Her integrity, values and ethics grew out of her core beliefs and were expressed in the activities she undertook and the work she did. Her professional life was spent working for the Government of Canada at the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, first working part time and summers for the Fisheries Research Board of Canada while a student, then as Research Biologist for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and advancing over the years to her last working position as Director of Communications for the Central and Arctic Region. Through the years, she conducted research and published scientific papers as part of the work she loved. Another accomplishment she was very proud of was the work on the Status of Women through the Public Service. One of her greatest joys was interacting with children of all ages and sharing her love of science and the natural world with them. She developed many innovative programs aimed at introducing students to the world of biological science, particularly the study of aquatic ecosystems. Sharon was a great supporter of high school marine biology trips to Churchill and of Oceans Day celebrations in Arctic communities. One assignment included working on aquatic systems in the Ukraine for several weeks, for which her ability to speak Ukrainian especially qualified her and which was a special joy because her Ukrainian heritage always remained close to her heart. It was not all science, as she was one of the people who began the tradition of the annual Christmas party for the children of FWI families, a special event which was much anticipated and enjoyed by all. Sharon was a peacemaker. Her exceptional negotiating skills were often called on to soothe rough waters, whether it was between friends or in the workplace addressing both regional and national issues. She had an encyclopaedic memory and could discuss almost any topic with knowledge and insight. She had many diverse interests outside her work, including extensive volunteer activities. Some of these included being a representative with the Professional Institute of the Public Service, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Manitoba Theatre Centre. She enjoyed world travel, and began travelling early, saying that she wanted to make sure she got to do as much as possible while she was young, because you never knew if you were going to be able to do it later. Her family and friends extend their gratitude to all of those who gave her such excellent care, including the physicians and staff at Victoria Hospital, Home Care, Health Sciences Centre, Grace Hospital, and most recently at Deer Lodge Centre. Funeral mass will be held at Mary Mother of the Church , 85 Kirkbridge Drive on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service and reception, interment will take place at the Transcona Cemetery, 5014 Dugald Road, at the Perimeter Highway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria General Hospital Memorial Fund, 2340 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg MB, R3T 2E8. Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 204-224-1525 wheelerfuneralhome@shaw.ca
Publish Date: Jun 3, 2013

SHARON L. LEONHARD November 18, 1947 May 29, 2013 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Sharon Leonhard on May 29, 2013 at the Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 65. Longer obituary will follow. Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 224-1525
Publish Date: Jun 1, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2013