We Remember
KOFOED, Leona Ruth “Lee”
September 18, 1945 — September 9, 2017
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Leona Ruth Kofoed on September 9th, 2017, one year after being diagnosed with cancer.
Leona will always be remembered and cherished by her husband, Jack, her daughters Jacqueline and John (Nybo), Jillian and Andi (Buechi), Leah and Troy (Jones) and her son Jeremy and Sherri. She has 12 beautiful grandchildren who love and adore her: Zara, Bella and Thor Nybo, Jasper, Jada and Aspen Buechi, Oliver, Lily and Ruby Jones, and Kylee, Mathias and Caleb Kofoed. She also leaves to remember and cherish her memory her sister Mary-Lou, sister Marti, brother David and many other family members on both sides. She was pre-deceased by her parents, and her older brothers Leslie and Ken.
Leona was born September 18, 1945 in Didsbury, Alberta to Ruth and Leo Nichols. She chose a nursing career as a young adult, taking her training at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. She worked as a nurse for many years, bringing love and comfort to everyone she came in contact with. She married her beloved husband, Jack on June 28, 1968. They moved to Australia after they got married, but moved to Kelowna a few months later when Jack was offered a business opportunity he couldn’t refuse. They made a beautiful life in Kelowna for themselves and their 4 children.
Leona’s generosity, kindness and acceptance has made this world a better place. She was passionate about traveling and her adventurous spirit took her and Jack all around the world, making friends in every country they visited. Her network of dear friends stretches far and wide. Her door has always been open to friends and family from near and far. She was always ready with a welcoming hug and an open heart. Her acceptance and unconditional love has touched so many lives. She kept God first in her life, and her deep faith brought great comfort and joy to her, and to those who loved her.
She cherished her large family, and some of her happiest moments were spent surrounded by them, at home, swimming in the pool, travelling with them, and visiting them in other countries.
Leona…wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, friend…we love you to the moon and back. Our world won’t be same without you.
Despite the challenges of the past year, Leona truly enjoyed the best care by loving, caring nurses and staff at cancer clinic, hospital and home. Thank you to all involved.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:30 am at Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:30 am
Location
Evangel Church
Jack and family
Our sincere sympathy as you say goodbye to Leona. We have beautiful memories of her.
Leona loved like no other! Her unconditional love & example will remain in our hearts ♥️ Thinking of Jack & the family.
Our condolences. Tammy Cato & family
Dear Jack and Family: Our hearts are with you and just want you to know, we remember many pleasant and happy times with you and sending you our deepest sympathy, love and care,
Yours in His care, Harvey and Joy Please feel free to reply to this e-mail.
Sympathy and prayers to Jack and family at the time of your huge loss. Dear Leona was deeply loved by so many!!!❤️❤️
Jack and family I wish to extended my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend
Dear Jack and all the Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Leona’s passing away and know how much she will be missed by you all. We will miss seeing her smiling face and appreciate so much her cheerfulness through this last year of health struggles. We have fond memories of our last visit with her and you, Jack in our home in Brigus, NL
Wish we could be with you all on Saturday but are grateful that you have the greatest Comforter with you.
With our Love and Deepest Sympathy,
John & Elaine Williams (Dunnville, ON)
A ray of sunshine, sweet and gentle, has left this scene.
Thankfully you know the God of Comfort. Our thoughts and prayers with you Jack, and all your family.
Wayne & Noreen
My thoughts are with family these days….so glad I met her and kept in touch ….. an amazing lady and know you all have beautiful memories…hugs at this difficult time
Jack, Jacqueline, Jillian, Leah, Jeremy and family… you have been in my thoughts so often over the past year. I have many great childhood memories at your house and of your mom. She will be missed by so many and especially by you all. Love to you, Kim xo
To Uncle Jack, and my Dear Cousins ,
Aunt Leona was so kind to me while I lived in Canada. I will never forget her love while I was experiencing the hardest years of my life. She knew how to do everything the right way.
Aunty Leona was as beautiful as her garden in the Spring time.
With all my love
Katie
So sad
Dear Jack and family,
Leona and you folks meant so much to me in my BC days and helped us out in missions and all. Your kindness and care will not be forgotten in Heaven and in earth… as long as I am here. Many gatherings we had in your home that was so well made use of. It is not easy for those left behind, but we have great comfort in a life well lived for others.
Family love,
Don
Leona was loving and a friend to all. We feel so thankful for the warm, loving memories we have of times together. Leona loved serving others with a smile.
Thinking of all of you these days.
To all who are mourning the loss of Leona, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. Thanks for sharing photos on line…..Lots of Love, The Farrells, Wayne and Kelly and family
Indeed, heart-breaking. Leona was a beautiful person – inside and out. Always so gracious and warm. We were fortunate to have her in our midst. PCHS ’63
Truly heart-breaking news. Leona was a beautiful person – inside and out. Always so gracious. We were blessed to have her in our midst. Our hearts go out to you, Jack. Bob and Jeanette Aishford, Canmore – class of ’63
My thoughts are with your family at this sad time! Leona touched my heart many years ago…her life will never be forgotten!!!
Remembering our beautiful visits. Dear Leona was such a warm friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and all the family. Much love to all of you. Lincoln and Jynni Harris
Please know that you are in out thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Leona was a wonderful classmate of mine at Ponoka High School. I also had the privilege of hosting her in my Qualicum Beach home a few years ago. That memory will always be with me as she was a very special lady.
God Bless,
Rita
With heart felt sympathy, we send our love and comfort from the One above. Leona was loved by so many. She will be greatly missed. My first Canadian home was hers and Jacks many years ago. I cherish those memories today. Hugs to Jack and the family.
Thinking of you all there. I have a sweet photo of Jack and Leona, who came to visit us as newlyweds in 1973. She was expecting Jacqueline then. So nice of you two Jack! Very fond memories of you all. I am searching for this photo–when I find I will share.
Dearest Jack & family,
Definitely so sad to lose our cousin. I knew her better in our younger days. She was so vibrant & such a good mother.
Our condolences to all her family & friends.
Love to all & thoughts are with you.
Marie & family
We expected Aunty Olga to go home before Leona. But Life is never like we planned. Our heartfelt sympathies. Erv % Sonia GRIFFIN.
To the family of Leona: I know of Leona through my good friend, David Nichols. David spoke often and lovingly about his sister, so it was my pleasure to know her a little bit that way. The whole family will miss her very much, as well as many others, but her passing will bring heaven nearer all. May we all finish in the race as well as Leona has! My condolences to the whole family! Randall Mullen — West Lebanon, New Hampshire
I have known of Leona through my good friend, David Nichols. David spoke often and very lovingly of his dear sister. As evidenced by the numerous condolences, she will be greatly missed, but her passing will bring heaven closer to all who knew her. May we all finish in the race as well as Leona has! My deep condolences to the whole family! Randall Mullen – New Hampshire
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you these days.. we are grateful for the memories we share of your special mum and wife Leona. The love and kindness she showed to others, home and abroad, isn’t forgotten…
Dear Jack & Family
I’m so sorry for your sudden loss ,Wife,Mom,Grandma.
Jack you & Leona were a perfect team, working together with God for the Good of your Brethren,pillars in Truth.So thankful our paths crossed in this life.May all of you be kept & comforted through this sad time.
Dear Jack & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through the loss of your dear wife, mother and grandmother. Leona will be in a better place now with no more pain and suffering but you all will feel the loss and pain for some time..
We will see you on Saturday.
Love &a kind wishes.
Arleigh & Fern
Dear Jack and family …. our thoughts are with you now as they have been for sometime….thankful for the comfort and love of God surrounding you all at this time. We are not able to be there with you but our hearts are.
Larry and Pat Weaver
This is sad news. I liked Leona very much and wish we had seen more of you. I feel for you Jack and family,
and for you Mary-lou.
Jim and Anne
lots of Love and Prayers for you especially Jack and all the rest of your family as you suffer this Enormous Loss. Thinking of Leona’s Siblings and yours too Jack and the numerous other people who were close to her. She truly did “make a difference” and the World won’t be the same without her in it.
Dear Jack and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May you feel the comfort and peace if God’s presence with you. Leona was a special, loving person.
Although we never knew you it is so beautiful to know you loved and are loved by God and family and friends. Our deepest sympathy to all especially David who we have had the pleasure of meeting. James & Tricia xx Australia
Jack and family, this is a really tough loss for all of you and for us too. We go back to our childhood years with very special memories of the Kofoeds and the Nichols. Virtually all of the Nichols were in our homes at one time and another and another, even in Houston. Grandma Nichols lived with us for awhile in Vancouver. I even spent some time with Aunt Olga in Poland. But I’ll always remember Leona’s special warmth, smile and her well-rooted faith and love. We’re glad to know the Comforter is on the job 24/7. Our deepest sympathies. Hurricane Harvey is gone — come and spend some time with us.
Dear dear Family, I will miss a very very warm, loving ” Special Friend” One of the first when we arrived in Kelowna. Always a warm hug and beautiful smile. Love you dear Lee, you left (just for a little while) many friends behind and your beautiful loving Family. ❤️❤️ You will be remembered!!!
Dear Jack and family!
My deepest condolencens in your loss of Leona! I will never forget your time in Denmark.
I will be with in my thought’s and prayer. Lots of love.
Jack and family, our deepest sympathy, you lost a very special lady, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Jack & family,
I am so saddened to hear of Lee’s passing. I truly enjoyed the times we spent together planning your many wonderful trips. She was such a wonderful women and was always a pleasure to talk to. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. May you find peace and solace in the beautiful memories you shared together as a family.
My warmest and heartfelt condolences.
Brenda Baer
Dear Ones,
There’s no way to put our feelings into words — we feel your sorrow very keenly and ‘we’ meaning Ira, Katya and Tanya, not to mention all your friends in the Izmail / Kislitsa area. They all would like me to relay their heartfelt sympathy and to mention how very much Leona meant to them — her love, her care, her interest. And I also join in this having so often been a go-between for them because of language. It was a joy to often be in touch with Leona about one thing and another! We miss her and how much more for each of you. This brings our love to you, the living, and expression of our love to the one who has left us. With care, Tanya, Ira, Katya and Sharon
Dear Jack & family, we treasure the memories of dear, dear Leona. A very special sister & friend. We are thankful that we can focus on the beautiful Sunrise on the Other Side. Ermina
Dear Jack
Very Sorry to hear about your loss.
With Deepest Sympathy
Dave Huber
Dear Jack & family
We are sending our heartfelt
Love and sympathy . We cherish our times with you.
Gary & Jo Friedly
Dearest Jack & family ..
Thinking of you all so much .. heaven is rejoicing over my dear sweet kind hearted friend & sister , that I loved so much .. lots & lots of special memories of our time together. Long walks & talks , shopping, lunch out , good old laughs … & always sweet fellowship.. was so special. Will truly miss her & you will too ….. love & hugs to all . ❤️❤️
Dear Jack and family: May God’s comforting peace and love be with you during this sad time.
A friend from Sutherland Hills Rest Home.
Marilyn and Don Melashenko
Dear Jack & family
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Leona & I had some lovely days together both in Canada and Ireland. Lovely to have got to know you Jack & your family. My thoughts are with you all.
I’ve never met Leona, but I know from David that she was a great person. I’m sure she’ll be missing on a lot of people, but I know she’s in home now!
Yovko and family
Bulgaria
Dear Jack and Family
It was a special priviledge to get to know you and Leona several years ago. Leona was a true friend to all she met and you will miss her so much. Our thoughts are with you all.
Barry and Cynthia
Jack and family ,Leona and I were classmates at school in Ponoka and at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton.She was always a good friend and a kind ,compassionate,caring person.Our high school reunions were a wonderful time to catchup with each other.The greatest reunion is yet to be thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ. I share deeply in your sorrow,I know of your grief but remember all the happy times and Lee’s loving , caring spirit. Karen White
Our sincere sympathy Jack and family. Leona was a special lady!
Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Dear Jack & family. Our sincere condolences in your deep loss of Leona. Denise & I had the privilege of being in your home for fellowship meeting on September 4, 2011., when Jack Price & Joshua Tschetter also came. You & Leona had so much care for Jack. Thank you for all your support. Deepest Sympathy from Bernice Thune & family of Calgary.
Dear Jack and family. We were very sorry to hear the sad news about Leona. We well renember our visits with you both in Kelowna at your home and here in Cumbria UK. in ours
Our thoughts are with you all. Sending love and blessings. Tom and Hilary Norman.
A fine finish by a very faithful friend and sister. Thank you, Jack, for sharing her with us! Warm Hugs flow to you and family.
The sweet influence of Leona’s life also touched Ecuador and Colombia. On behalf of those in these countries who don’t have English, we will be with you tomorrow in thoughts and in heart.
Dear Jack,
We are thinking of you, especially this morning. We met you and Leona in Vietnam and appreciated our time together as we visited about our eternal family around the world. She introduced us to trips with many friends.
We send our love and care to you and your family.
Roger and Marian Fryer
Leona shared this with me one day when I needed it; and today I want to give it back to you as a way of thanking her.
“Sometimes we need someone to simply be there, not to fix anything, or to do anything in particular but just to let us feel that we are cared for and supported. ”
Heartfelt care to you all, Sheila
Dear Jack and Family: so sorry to hear of Leona’s passing. Sincere condolences to all of you. We have fond memories of our times in Kelowna with your family. Will be thinking of you today.
Love, Gary and Valerie
Dear Jack and family
Right now you will all be sitting, waiting for the service to start. It’s 2.10 our time here, 11.10 your time there. We can’t be there with you, but feel that by writing to you at this special time, we can be there in heart and spirit. How can one speak of how one feels in their hearts ??? But we know you will feel it too……This is a big day for you all, a day of mixed emotions. Happiness that Leona finished well. Sadness in the human bonds being broken. We love to picture her instead in a place of no pain or sorrow or tears. We will hold you in our hearts and prayers, as we have been doing in the past weeks. Our love to you all.
Dear Jack and family….we are also touched by your loss and want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We have appreciated our visits with Leona at Duncan conventions…and other visits with you folks over the years. Mom also has memories of Leona’s Grandma at Cormicks. Mom was boarding at Cormicks home when Grandma Nichols was staying there. Mom still has the punch work cushion top that Grandma N gave her and Dad as a wedding gift. Special memories. May you all be comforted by God’s love and the beautiful memories of a beautiful soul. With love and care, Sharon, Verna Nesvog and families.
Dear Jack & family
We are truly saddened today…
Your mom was a jewel.
Lotsa love Val & Brent Manary
Dear Jack & family ..so many thots have traveled North since hearing of Leona’s illness & death. She sent a sweet note in Dec when we were up for sp mtgs & we’re at Penticton..I had hopes of seeing you there but she wasn’t able for it. Please know you’re in our ❤️
Dear Jack and family,
It was with great sadness that we heard that our lovely Leona was gone. She went on my birthday just exactly one year younger than I. It was among the highlights of my last home visit to be in your home and make acquaintance with you and Leona. I love what someone once shared about grief. Grief is not a lack of faith nor a sign of weakness, but the price of love. May God give you special comfort in your grief. With love, Mabel