Leona Matilda

Leona passed away surrounded by her family Wednesday evening, September 7th, 2011 at the age of 86 years.  Leona Matilda Payne was born in Uren, SK, June 17th, 1925.  She was predeceased by her husband Paul (May 7th, 2005), brothers Clifford, Wilfred, Walter, Lewis, Gerald and Bill and sisters Esther and Irene. She married Paul Nelson April 23rd, 1946 and they lived and farmed in the Central Butte area.  She is survived by her children: Pat (Brian) Levy, Wolfville, NS; Dennis (Charlene) Nelson, Central Butte, SK; Dianne Antila, Flin Flon, MB; and Peggy Klein, Assiniboia, SK; and her grandchildren: Korianne Levy (Dave Rolston) Calgary, AB, Angela Levy, Wolfville, NS, Nancy Klein (Chuck Burgess) Pender Island, BC, and Crystal Antila, Winnipeg, MB.  She is survived by one brother Scotty Payne (Central Butte, SK) and two sisters Laurel (Ray) Brown, Stratford, ON, and Joey Cassels, Chilliwack, BC formerly of Regina, SK, and many nieces and nephews.  Right to the end, Leona was interested in so many things, world affairs, politics and social issues.  During her long life, she enjoyed gardening, baking and handiwork of every kind (definitely multi-talented).  She took a hairdressing course in her 50’s and successfully operated her own salon for a few years in her home (gutsy lady!).  In the winter she often curled just for the fun of it.  In recent years she played cards, rumoli and bingo every week with close friends in town.  Leona belonged to and supported many organizations over her life time, like the Order of Eastern Star, the UCW, the NDP, the Central Butte Seniors Centre to name a few!  Her greatest enjoyment was family get togethers of any type, large Payne family reunions, wiener roasts in the backyard with the grand kids, and trips in the motor home to visit family across Canada.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, as well as a good friend to many.  She will be greatly missed and will suffer no more!  Cremation has taken place.  At Leona’s request there will be no funeral and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.  Donations may be made in Leona’s memory to a charity of your choice.