Leona Adelgunde (Wiens) WIENS

Leona Adelgunde Wiens

November 2, 1940

 November 26, 2020

Leona Adelgunde Wiens was the second of six children born to Jacob and Margaret (née Baergen) Wiens.   She completed grades 1-10 at Herschel school and graduated high school at Rosthern Junior College. She went on to complete her R.N. degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1962, receiving an award for being the best operating room nurse in her class. That same year, on December 22nd, Leona married Pete Wiens, and they started their life’s journey on the farm, building a beautiful home in which to raise their family.

Leona grew up on a farm near Herschel cultivating her passions for music, cooking, gardening, and caring for others. She was so helpful and good at taking care of her younger brothers that her mother chose to keep Leona home from school for an extra year. She joined the church choir at age twelve, which nurtured her natural talents for singing and playing piano. Over the years, she was asked to play and sing on many occasions, which she thoroughly enjoyed, and was thrilled to be joined by her son Peter to perform together from time to time.

Leona caught the eye of local young farmer Pete Wiens. After a brief courtship of seven years, they were married and were constant companions to one another forever after. Leona was a registered nurse for forty years at Rosetown Union Hospital, retiring in 2002. She graciously volunteered to provide homecare to many people and gave her time generously to the church and community. In addition to living out her passions of music and caring for others, Leona was a devoted wife, filling her time raising six children, helping on the farm, and growing a large garden. She loved and planted gorgeous flowers and preserved her bountiful garden produce. Leona was an amazing cook - there was always room for more people at the table, and the coffee was always on. There was never a dull moment!

Pete and Leona loved to travel and looked forward to visiting family and friends at every opportunity. They enjoyed their travels to England, Ukraine, Mexico, Cuba, and Hawaii, as well as many motorhome adventures across North America.

In addition to her warm hospitality, she was the most patient and caring mother, facing life’s challenges with strength and resilience. As with everything, Leona took her last months of declining health with grace, and after years of being our caregiver, she allowed us to take care of her. She was an incredible example of kindness and goodness to all who were blessed to have known her.

Left to cherish her memory is the true love of her life, Pete. She is survived by her six children: Peter (Vilma), Leanne (Curtis), Jeff (Leanne), Karla (Graham), Rebecca (Jon), Jason (Carla); Peter’s ex-wife, Sandra; also, the pride and joy of her life, her grandchildren Sophia, Zane (Cheryl), Jude, Nikita (Ryland), Mariah, Luke, Jarret, Olivia, Drew, Brynn, Lily, Bennett, and Maddox. Mourning her loss are her siblings Louise (Gerhard), Theo (Deanna), Berny (Cheralyn), Marlene (Jim), and Ruby (Bob); sisters-in-law Marlene and Judy; and her many nieces and nephews. Leona was predeceased by her parents, parents-in-law, brothers-in-law Dick, Frank and Walt, sisters-in-law Ruth and Marg and niece Angela Mae.

Pete and Leona were married for almost fifty-eight years. We will all miss her deeply, but he will miss her the most.

A private family service was held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Herschel Ebenfeld Mennonite Church - Music Fund, Box 117, Herschel, SK, S0L 1L0 or STARS Foundation, STARS Saskatoon Base, Nutrien Hangar, 2475 Airport Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 1M4.