Mrs. Leona Doreen Adam

Leona D. Adam (nee Darmitz) Our dear Leona was freed from an intense suffering on Monday, February 13, 2017, with Leslie Ann, Wayne, and an old friend, Marie, by her side. We held her hands and kissed her forehead, anointing her with love and a wish for peace, as she took her last labored breaths. The aching void she leaves in all of us is a measure of her generous and kind spirit, and of her wide-ranging talents and interests: Author, poet, artist, inventor, chef, photographer, knitter, dancer, friend, teacher, confidant, volunteer, traveler, Miss Future Homemaker! Born July 2, 1936, in Calgary, she was a thoroughly Toronto gal, where she married Wayne, who died in 2002. Her legacy continues through her children Erin (Tom) of North Vancouver, BC; Wayne in Toronto, Leslie Ann (Bob) in Georgetown; through grandchildren Victoria, Rachel (both in BC), Saige, Jade (both in ON); beloved brother Leo Darmitz and sister-in-law Jackie in Mississauga; and nephews Andy and Mike, in Toronto. She is greatly missed by cousins Leona Barclay and husband Bill, in Calgary; by Donny (Anne), Andrea, Roman (Jennifer); by dear friends Anne Ward, now in Vancouver, Lorraine Eidlitz, now in Nova Scotia, Marj Mayer in Cobourg; by her Grade 8 Gals (she coordinated their get-togethers), and by those in her Writing group. She is remembered fondly by her exceptional neighbours, including Mary & Rudy, Michael & Denise and family; Linda, Moera & Phin; Hugh & Elisabeth and family; Ken, Joyce, and Norma, and many others. Leona had a remarkably close relationship with the family of her husband, Wayne, and she is being remembered and prayed for by Sue, John & Andrew Wilson in South Carolina (formerly in Maryland); Sean & Suzie Regan and family, in Ohio; Kathi & Rich Krattenmaker and Chris & Ray Welker, all in New Jersey; by Ruthann & Gwen in Texas, Carole in Pennsylvania and Marilyn and family in Indiana. A special thanks to the kindnesses given Leona in her final days at the beautiful Kensington Hospice in Toronto. Leona's wit, her disarming smile, her compassionate eyes... Her talents in the arts -- culinary, in verse, in Japanese ink wash painting, in crocheting and knitting... Each reminds us how she gave so much, so freely. She listened with thoughtful attention, and replied with a benevolent grace that endeared her to the many who must now bear this news as a heavy stone. There is a time to mourn the loss of someone so central to the lives of so many. But she would not see us anguish long. Her pragmatic 'onward' inclination would buoy our spirits, and have us celebrate what she granted was "a good life". And so we shall, following a cremation, which has now taken place, at a celebration memorial to be announced here, and likely held in the spring. You can request that updates on this page be emailed to you, to learn details. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Salvation Army is encouraged. Meantime, may Leona's death sharpen our fond remembrances, magnify the wonder she had for this life and all Creation, and have us give thanks that her life entwined us all.