LEONARD, Elsie

March 2, 1924 — February 19, 2014

It is with so much love and pride we announce the peaceful passing of Elsie Nellie Leonard (nee Odnokon) on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the age of 89 years.  She will forever be in the hearts of her daughter, Margaret Jean (Gregg) Patterson of Blind Bay, BC and her son and life companion, Kenneth Charles Leonard in Kelowna, BC who were both with her to the end of her journey.  She will be cherished as the most special Gramma to Bradley Leonard Baker of Calgary, Loretta Jean Baker of Kamloops, BC and Wendy Leigh Baker of Fort St. John, BC.  Her love also surrounded her great grandchildren, James Michael Baker (Sasha), Brittni-Jean Baker and Nichole Rae Baker all of Kamloops, BC as well as grandson in law Paul Robinson (Terry Marie Miller) “and company” of Monty Lake, BC; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and the extended Leonard Family of Eastern Canada are fondly remembered in our thoughts for their kindness.  Elsie will now be reunited with her loving husband of 58 years, Arthur Charles Leonard who predeceased her on March 1, 2002.  Besides her parents, she was predeceased by three sisters and one brother.  Elsie was born to Charles and Nellie Odnokon in Saskatchewan.  She met and married (Victoria BC) Art in 1943 and lived in Montreal where Art was from.  Marg and Ken were born in Montreal and after Art’s service with the Royal Canadian Navy they moved to Loon Lake, SK and later moved to Edmonton, AB In 1958 they relocated to Calgary where they raised their family.  Art worked with Barber Industries and Elsie was a busy stay at home mom working parttime in accounting with Totem Lumber.  Together, Art and Elsie were members of the Inglewood Golf & Curling Club, Calgary.  In 1972 they moved to Kelowna, BC to be closer to Elsie’s aging father and the thoughts of their retirement.  The grandkids remember many happy summer Kelowna holidays with Gramma and Grampa in their early years.  As avid golfers, it was at the Kelowna Golf & Country Club where Art and Elsie enjoyed 35 years of happiness together – Elsie was fondly known as the “Hat Lady”.  Their interests also included the Kelowna Curling Club where along with Elsie’s team were proud tournament champions of that day.  In Elsie’s later years she enjoyed many continued friendships that came along through her Bridge Club.  All of Elsie’s life was devoted to the love and concern of family and the years of happiness in her beautiful gardens she took much pride in.  Her tireless efforts will also be remembered in canning preserves and providing fresh produce and fruits of the garden for her table and to family and friends.  Elsie always thought of the less fortunate too; giving all she could to charity and good cause. Gramma was always quick with a joke and very direct with her quirky punch lines – we will always remember the laughs we shared continuously throughout our lives.  We are grateful to have been taught so much kindness through her love.  Funeral Services Celebrating Elsie’s Life will be held in the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home on, Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. A Reception to share memories will follow at the Kelowna Golf & Country Club.  She will be taken to rest at Lake View Memorial Gardens where her family will say Good night and “goo-bye “Gramma – we will love you always!  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.”