Leonard, Adelene Esther (nee Smith)
Passed away at the White Eagle Residence, Toronto, on February 13, 2008, at the age of 94.

Beloved mother of Bruce (Gale) and Barbara, all of Toronto, wife of the late Etheridge W. Leonard (Oak Bank, MB), and sister of the late Reginald Smith (Winnipeg). She is fondly remembered by Jean Smith (Winnipeg), Betty-June and Phil Haley (Toronto), Evelyn Henderson (Ottawa), Wesley Leonard (Simcoe), other members of her extended family and many friends.

The daughter of Hylton and Maud Smith, Adelene was born and raised in Minnedosa, MB. She had a lifelong passion for music and was a talented pianist. She achieved the highest level of accomplishment in piano teaching at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She was also very active in the Girl Guide movement before moving to Winnipeg to begin her teaching career. She and Etheridge married in 1943 and five years later they moved to Oak Bank, MB, where they spent the rest of their 53-year marriage. She taught piano in Oak Bank for several years before returning to teaching school in Winnipeg. While continuing to teach, she studied at the University of Winnipeg, graduating with a B.A. in 1972. Many years at Sisler High School rounded out her teaching career. Adelene was always active in the Oak Bank United Church, where she served as choir leader, organist, board member and in many other capacities. She was also an early member of The Costume Museum of Canada. In 2001, she reluctantly said goodbye to her many friends in Manitoba and moved to Toronto to be closer to her children.

A memorial service will be held at the Oak Bank United Church, Oak Bank, MB at 11am on February 23 with the Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson officiating. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

For all the care Adelene received during her years in Toronto, the family wishes to thank the staff at the White Eagle Residence, and to express heartfelt gratitude to Deanna Derksen and Michelle Doucette whose visits brightened so many of her days.