Leona Thora Smith

LEONA THORA SMITH

Our much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie and friend passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024 at Erickson District Health Centre at 90 years of age.

Born to Thora Emilie (Bergeson) Lofgren and Ernest Lofgren on April 15, 1934 in the Municipality of Clanwilliam, Leona’s arrival was the beginning of a life’s journey at the “Iron House”.  It was also home to her paternal grandparents, Uncle Richard, Old Tom, and in succession, three wonderful brothers.

Leona received her education at Westmount and Erickson Schools.  Her home away from home was with her maternal grandmother, Hansine Bergeson, while attending Erickson School. As a youth, Leona was an active 4-H member and a Girl Guide.  Following school Leona was employed at Manitoba Dairy and Poultry Coop (Erickson Creamery) until her marriage.

Leona and Roger Vernon Larson of Hilltop were joined in marriage on December 5, 1953 in a ceremony held at the home of Leona’s maternal grandmother, Hansine Bergeson.  Following their marriage, Roger and Leona lived in Deloraine and Brandon, until their decision in 1955 to return to the Emil and Emmy Larson home farm.  Roger and Leona purchased the farm in 1959, later expanding the farm and farming practices.  A daughter, Valerie Ferne, arrived on June 17, 1954 and a son, Maurice Verne, arrived on January 7, 1959.  Roger and Leona were both very active community members, involved in numerous organizations, and also involved with their children in the local 4-H movements.

Roger passed away on December 25, 1971, a huge blow to the family and community.  As a widow at the age of 37, Leona bravely carried on with her teenage children, preparing for an auction sale and renting the farmland.  Leona began working at Earley’s Pharmacy in 1972.  Valerie married Alan Soltys on October 14, 1972 and Leona and Maurice moved to their new home in Erickson in 1973.  Life continued, with Leona eventually selling the farmland and continuing her employment at Earley’s Pharmacy until 1986.

On November 13, 1976 Leona married David Arnold Smith of Polonia, Manitoba.  Maurice and Valerie were thrilled that their mother found a life partner and welcomed Dave as their stepdad. Both Dave and Leona were active community volunteers with Erickson Legion, Citizens on Patrol, Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Erickson Health Auxiliary, Erickson Retreads. Together, Dave and Leona enjoyed camping with friends, snow sledding, their cabin at Otter Lake and many winters in Texas and Arizona.  They travelled Canada from coast to coast to coast, various US destinations and a tour to Europe, developing wonderful friendships wherever their travels took them.

Their only grandson Clayton was born October 22, 1978 and has many fond memories of time spent with his grandparents.  Opportunities for building memories as an adult continued as Clayton and Kathy (Christian) decided to settle in Erickson and marry September 3, 2005.  Their son Parker arrived May 21, 2008 and Cooper arrived May 2, 2011.  Great grandma was overjoyed to have them run up the hill to say “hi” and check for cookies and goodies in the fridge.

On November 1, 2010, Leona and Valerie were thrilled to witness the marriage of Maurice to his long- term partner, Robert Riccardi at an intimate private ceremony in Winnipeg.

Sadly, Leona became a widow again with the passing of Dave on November 24, 2010 at Erickson District Health Centre.  Leona did continue to spend winters in Arizona for another 6 years, with the support of her Arizona friends and her brother Norman and sister-in-law Janet.  Declining health necessitated Leona to make the move from her home to Erickson District Health Centre in June 2018.  Leona graciously accepted this change and settled into her new environment.  Leona built close bonds with the staff and residents at the care facility, entertaining them with her wit and stories.  Her family appreciates the love and exceptional, compassionate care Leona received as a resident of the PCH.

Leona was predeceased by her parents Ernest and Thora: her two husbands Roger and Dave; her son-in-law Alan Soltys; her in-laws Lawrence and Ruth Larson, Edna (Jim Selbie) and Reg Eamer, Florence and Fred Swiscoski, Gerald Larson, Don and Annie Smith, Melvin and Florence Smith, Raymond Smith, Marie and Norbert Suzscki. 

She will be deeply missed by her children Valerie Soltys of Erickson and Maurice (Robert Riccardi) Larson of St. Francois Xavier; grandson Clayton (Kathy) Soltys and great-grandsons Parker and Cooper of Erickson; brothers Norman (Janet) Lofgren, Raymond (Sandra) Lofgren, Ken (Sharon) Lofgren; in-laws Delmar (Nora) Larson, Marilyn Larson and Charlotte Smith; loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Erickson Legion Hall.  Interment will take place at Hilltop Baptist Church Cemetery.  If friends so wish, donations can be made to Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson Endowment Fund (Killarney Foundation)

Mom, you taught us the important lessons in life.  Working hard, respecting others, never quitting, taking what life deals you with grace, having fun and above all, unconditional love.