Diane Leonard

DIANE N. LEONARD (Whiteside)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Leonard on Feb 27, 2023 at South Terrace Continuing Care Centre in Edmonton, Alberta
Diane was predeceased by her Mother and Father, Eileen and Edmond Whiteside, and her brother Earl.
Diane is survived by her husband Ian of 61 years, daughters Kim and Colleen and son Scott.
She will also be missed by her 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Diane loved to cook, have family gatherings and partying with them.
She also enjoyed bowling, and golf with family and friends, and was an avid book reader.
Diane worked for the Manitoba, Alberta, and back to Manitoba Government where she was medically retired in July, 1994.
Diane was such a resilient lady, that endured many medical emergencies, including two cerebral aneurysms in 1971 and 1993, both operated and clipped. The second in 1993 was very debilitating.
In 2012 she made South Terrace Care Home her new home.
Diane contracted COVID-19 twice in 2020. She suffered a stroke in 2021 which left
her paralyzed on her left side and unable to speak. Through all of this, Diane was still aware of what was going on around her and smiled at everyone with whom she came in contact.
In January, 2023 Diane suffered a fractured hip which was medically repaired at U of A hospital, and was diagnosed with 4th stage lung and liver cancer, which she succumbed to on Feb 27.
Diane wrote a letter in 1993, donating her body to Science. Her body was transported to the U of A, Division of Anatomy on Feb 27, 2023, where the study will take place for 11/2 to 21/2 years.
After the study, her remains will be sent to Simply Cremations in Edmonton. Her family will then spread her ashes as she noted in her letter.
The family would like to thank the staff at South Terrace Care Home for keeping Diane comfortable and happy.
A celebration of life was held by the family on March 18, 2023.
Diane and her heart warming smile will be missed so much.