Lydia 'Leona' Fransishyn of the Canora district, beloved wife of Paul Fransishyn passed away suddenly in her home on February 6, 2013 at the age of 72 years. Leona was born on July 19, 1940 in Rama, SK to Wasyl and Annie (Krawetz) Romaniuk. As a young girl, she attended the Boxmore and Rama Schools while she helped with the day to day chores on the farm. Her family farmed in the Rama district since 1935 and then her parents retired in 1974, in which they moved to Buchanan. Leona worked at odd jobs in the area and then began working for Peavey Mart in Yorkton. She was employed for over twenty-seven years and was the manager for the last seventeen years. Leona received the 'Ruby Ring' award, the company's highest achievement for twenty-five years of service. She was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #52, Canora, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for five years and as the President for two years. Her many hobbies included: gardening, reading, listening to country music, but especially word puzzles. Leona thoroughly enjoyed visiting with family and loved organizing huge family functions and reunions. Her pride and joy were her two cats, Kotz and Ketza and her dog Teena. Leona's parents, her brothers and sisters and their families along with her husband's families meant the world to her. She always wanted everyone to love, care, remember and look after each other. Leona will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was predeceased by her parents, Wasyl and Annie and her sister-in-law Patricia Romaniuk. Leona will be lovingly remembered by her husband Paul, her five brothers: Mike (Joanne) Romaniuk of Duffield, AB, Orest (Sylvia) Romaniuk of Allan, SK, Taras Romaniuk of Winnipeg, MB and Danny (Linda) Romaniuk of Parksville, B.C.; her two sisters, Mary Scodellaro of Bellingham, Washington, USA and Emily (companion Jack) Stratychuk of Winnipeg, MB as well as twenty-three nieces and nephews. The Prayer Service was held on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. both from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora with Rev. Fr. Ivan Derkach, officiating. Interment followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Arthritis Society as tokens of remembrance in memory of Leona. Those unable to attend may sign the on-line guest book at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca . Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora (563-5671).
