We Remember

WHITEHEAD, Leona Jean (née Parr)
June 17, 1933 — February 1, 2020
Leona J. Whitehead passed away on February 1, 2020 in Kelowna, BC at the age of 86. She is survived by her children Rhonda Poullos of Peachland, BC, Ed (Cortney) Simpson of Lake Newell, AB, and Corinne (Steve) Bjornson of Ile des Chênes, MB; her grandchildren Jamie-Lee (Justin), Jennifer, Kimberly (Kelly), Jonathan (Lauren), Kenny (Ali), Bryan (Jennifer), and Stephanie (Kelsey); her great-grandchildren Kacey, Leah, Kate, Taylor, and Brodie; and her cousin Norman McLeod of Victoria, B.C.
She was sadly predeceased, by only 61 days, by her husband of 47 years, Brian “Pa”; as well as her great-granddaughter Jaida-Lynn Ausman (May 2019); her parents Charles (1963) and Gertrude (1983) Parr; and her brother Billie Parr (1968).
Born and raised in Calgary, AB, Lee graduated from Western Canada High School. She was a great athlete and excelled in track and field as well as basketball. She loved golf and was the Club Champion at every course she ever belonged to.
Lee’s career was focused in office administration. After her retirement, she and Pa fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved to the Okanagan; she was an active member of the Ponderosa Golf club and played in many local tournaments. She always referred to Peachland as “God’s Country”.
Perhaps what she enjoyed the most over the years was playing BINGO. There were many trips in the motor home for both golf and BINGO holidays.
The family would like to thank Dr. G Verster and the staff at Spring Valley Care Home / Pioneer for the care of Leona.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 4:00 pm at Two Eagles Golf Course, 3509 Carrington Rd, Westbank, BC. That day, her life will be celebrated along with the life of her great-granddaughter Jaida-Lynn Ausman.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Friday, May 22, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Location
Two Eagles Golf Course
Auntie Lea was a big part of our life for decades. After she and my brother married we spent many vacation breaks with them and when we had our sons, she embraced them as her own. She loved to laugh…and argue and we will miss her greatly. The memories of times spent on the Peachland deck overlooking the lake will be treasured. Rest easy Lea and we hope you and Pa play at least 36 a day.
Rhonda and family, I know the spirit of your mother, grand-mother and great-grandmother lives on in her beautiful, fun-loving and charismatic off-spring. Wishing you all warm memories.
Hello. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss Rhonda. Thinking of you and sending love & hugs. Gwen & John
Hi Nanny, I just wanted to say goodbye to you today. And that I wish that I had been more able to be closer to you in the later part of your life and mine here. I have been having beautiful memories of you arise in my mind, and I have been sending lots of love and prayers to Aunty Rhonda and everyone for their recovery from the emotional intensity of this big change. I will always think of Leona and Brian with my heart saturated with peace and love. I will not miss them for I believe they are here in my voice and my language and my being the extension of their spirit in time and space. I always got those letters you sent Nanny and I sent some back but I wish I sent more, and so I will use the present to write to you always, with love evermore, Jenny Anne Simpson your Granddaughter.