Leona Barendregt

It is with great sadness, we announce the very sudden passing of our dear daughter, sister /in-law, aunt/great aunt. 

Thanks to the staff at the Child Development Center, during Leona’s preschool years, and thanks to all the staff at both Ebenezer and Bulkley Valley Christian Schools, she was able to live a good quality of life to the fullest with so many supports and friends.  She was richly blessed in this Community.  Later in her life she was able to live semi-independently in the Sparrows Apartment, in Smithers, for 6 years, thanks to the lovely, caring support from Bethesda Christian Association, and High Road Services Society.  Leona’s fellow tenants in Sparrows were like family to her. Thanks to the team at McDonald’s for allowing her to work there for 20 years, to the team at Chatters Pizzeria for over 10 years and to the team at I-Foods for the last few years.  Leona looked forward to her jobs!!

As someone else worded it so nicely, “Leona had such a zest for life”.  She loved joining her friends at Special Olympics’ swimming and bowling.  She looked forward to attending Friendship every 2nd Wednesday evening during the winter months.  She enjoyed singing, walking, coloring, playing games, horseback riding, camping, socializing watching movies, hanging out with her (great) nephews and (great) nieces, and above all, diligently reading her Bible, praying, and going to Church.  Her love for the Lord was very strong.

Special thanks to Paul and Tina Loewen and family, and the Church community in Chilliwack BC, for lovingly caring for Leona and allowing her to live life to the fullest, physically, emotionally and spiritually for the last 14 months.  We remember Leona with love and thankfulness for the rays of sunshine she has put into so many or our lives, through her love, laughter, GIF’s, chats, etc.  We owe thanks and praise to God for everything He did in her life, and for what He has given to all of us through her.

A Memorial Service will be held on the August 22nd at 1:00 pm in the Smithers Canadian Reformed Church, 2788 Upper Viewmount Rd. The service will be broadcast on the Live Feed on the Church's website and there will be babysitting available at the Church during the service.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards the Second Phase of the Sparrows Housing Apartments.  (Sparrows Christian Housing Society).

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