Obituary of Leona Frances Erickson

Leona was born at Onoway, Alberta the eldest of seven children born to George and Mary Collyer and lived at Sion until she was 7, then her family moved to Edmonton.  At age 12 Leona dedicated her life to God.  Leona grew up in a happy, busy home full of love, along with her one brother and five sisters and a host of others that passed through the family home.  Leona worked her first job in Edmonton as clerk typist at the Legislative building in the Treasury Department.  She later worked at Melton Real Estate office and the Farm Credit office.  After her children were grown she worked for Don’s World Travel, several years at the Donalda Museum, and various homebased businesses.  Leona married Joe Stewart on July 6, 1953 and lived at Vermillion, to that union Fraser and Betty Jean were born.  After being widowed Leona and the children moved back to Edmonton.  She later married Harry Erickson on February 2, 1962 and they lived at Donalda, to this union Dean and Carol were born.  Leona was very active and involved in her community, volunteering with various events, the most significant being the Donalda Lamp.  Leona and Harry moved to Willow Creek Lodge when Leona was 75.  Leona’s words of wisdom to her loved ones, "Always be true to yourself, and you will be true to others."  Her most prized possession was her Bible.

Leona will be forever missed by her loving family, children: Fraser (Philippe) Erickson of Vancouver, Betty Jean (Lyle) Goodkey of Gadsby, Dean (Ardith) Erickson of Donalda and Carol Erickson (Jason) of Edmonton; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Darren (Krysta) Goodkey of Forestburg and their son Karson, Ian Goodkey (Ethan) of Red Deer, Logan (Candice) Erickson of Donalda and their children Jordyn and Kaden, Luke (Tasha) Erickson of Stettler and their daughter Carly and Levi (Cally) Erickson of Stettler; siblings: Jean Krutop of Vancouver, Jim (Patricia) Collyer of Calgary, Kathleen (Harold) Lewis of Pincher Creek, Marguerite (Marvin) Crowley of Mission, BC, Leila (Brian) West of Sylvan Lake and Georgina (Merle) Layden of Red Deer; brothers in law Ben (Shirley) Erickson of Stettler and Melvin Hoecherl of Rocanville, SK; sisters in law Betty Hoecherl of Calgary and Margaret Wassenaar of Calgary; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.  Leona was predeceased by her first husband Joe Stewart, second husband Harry Erickson, parents Mary and George Collyer, sisters in law Ruth Hoecherl and Helen Madill, brothers in law Bill Stewart and Lloyd Krutop.  Leona loved her family with all her heart.

A Private Family Funeral Service Was Held

Donations in memory of Leona are gratefully accepted to the Donalda Cemetery Club, S.T.A.R.S. or a charity of choice.