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Doris Rist posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
It is hard to imagine a world without Leona in it. I have known Leona for 20 plus years and cannot remember meeting her without a smile on her face and a genuine interest in my life. The word I have always used to describe Leona is gracious. Her love for her family, her church family and people in general always oozed out of her. I loved to hear her pray, and see her connection with God. It was real, genuine and heart felt. She had an eye for beauty and saw that beauty everywhere. Her home and appearance was always carefully put together and both spelled out "Welcome". Humble in nature and soft in speech, I wanted to hear what Leona had to say and I think that others felt the same. Leona, I have, and will miss you! Now Jesus has you and you are both enjoying that closer communion, along with all the saints. Our loss, and heavens gain. Dennis, my heart is with you as you grieve the passing of your devoted wife. Twyla, Wes, and all of the grandchildren - she loved you so much! My heart goes out to you as you miss Mom and Grandma! Many sweet memories will remain and I know that you will honour her life and legacy by the lives you yourselves lead. Love to you all!
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Betty Haberer posted a condolence
Friday, December 4, 2020
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Sweatman family. Leona's passing will surely leave a gap in your family that will be deeply felt. As a member of your church family my heart goes out to each of you and I pray the Lord's comfort and peace over you all. Leona and I were in the same class studying to become Stephen Ministers. I recall being touched by Leona's tender heartedness, her compassion and her love for the Lord. Her desire to serve was exemplary and I was deeply inspired by her faith and love for the church and for her family. I remain grateful for having crossed paths with her.
Peace and blessings,
Betty Alexander
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Phil Atkinson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
It was my honour to have known Leona Sweatman for the past ten years. These are a few of the qualities of her life that I appreciated:
She was gracious, empathetic, and always smiling. She had a sense of peace and wonder in her life as she related to those around her. She also had a mischievous side, and Her gentle humor was frequently turned onto Dennis, her husband. She loved to worship her Lord Jesus, and after every worship song she would say that it was her favourite.
Leona, you will be missed by many because you were loving to many. Dennis, my sincerest condolences for your loss.
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Amy Suderman posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss Dennis and family.
I’ve known Leona for as long as I can remember. She was one of the faces of Gateway South Church for me growing up and it will be difficult to imagine Gateway South without her. Especially her warm smile and her kind, gentle, and loving spirit. I will always appreciate all the prayers she and Dennis prayed over me and my brothers over the years. How great of friends they’ve been to my parents.
I’m also very grateful that my son Joey was able to meet Leona before she passed away. Truly she loved children.
I’ll also never forget some of Leona’s last words to me, “Oh Amy, you do the world an injustice if you don’t write down your stories”. What a wonderful and beautiful lady! She will be greatly missed.
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Andrea Atkinson posted a condolence
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Leona will always have a special place in my heart. When we first moved to Winnipeg in 2010 I had a new and challenging teaching job and needed much support. Leona was one of my most faithful encouragers, as she listened to my lesson plans, expressed her enthusiasm for my ideas, gave me input from her own teaching experience, and prayed for me. Her welcoming smile and kind words helped me over the hump of discouragement many times and gave me the courage to go on. In the years that I've had the privilege of knowing Leona, I have always seen her as a model of humility, grace, generosity, and kindness. Her love for Jesus and his word was evident to all. She was family to me, a mother in the Lord, and I will treasure her memory always. My heart goes out to you, Dennis and family, as you mourn her loss. What a comfort to know that she is with Jesus, and one day we will see her again.
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Amber posted a condolence
Sunday, November 29, 2020
My deepest condolences to Dennis and your family. I will always remember Leona as a kind, loving woman who showed genuine interest in my life. I remember so many times she would come up to me at church and ask how I was doing, and she was really interested (not just "I'm fine. Ok. See you."). I have a fond memory of enjoying an evening in your backyard this past summer. I also remember Leona as a woman who serves - in kids min, helping with potlucks, with whatever she could. Leona, we love you and we miss you!
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Edward Klassen (Leona is my sister) posted a condolence
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Leona is a sister I loved very much and she is terribly missed She is in the presence of God.
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Richard & Grace Knelsen posted a condolence
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Our, Grace and my, memories of Leona begin years ago when she and Dennis joined the Bridges for Peace Chai (Hebrew word for Life and the number 18) group meeting in our home. Her devotion to the LORD, His Word, His people and His LAND, the land of Israel, motivated interest, concern and prayer regarding everything happening in Israel. Her deep interest in Torah/Bible was clearly evident in our sharing and praying. At Hanukkah, Rosh HaShanah or Pesach Celebrations, we joined together around the Festive table.
We were also both members of a group begun by other Israel-loving friends that met once a month for Shabbat dinner and always included Torah conversation and usually prayer for Israel. In this group as well, Leona's faithful study of Torah was evident in her contributions to the conversation and prayer.
Her home was always welcoming; and both she and Dennis were a great help to us when we moved 3 years ago; thank you.
We are missing her already, but know she in a most Blessed situation!
Grace and Rick Knelsen
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Joanne and Erich Struck posted a condolence
Friday, November 27, 2020
We met Leona on the first Sunday we started attending Gateway South Church a little over two years ago .
Leona and Dennis were the first couple to come and greet us and invited us out for lunch . This became an almost weekly event that we would go out for lunch after church and then they would give us a ride home .
We always had great fellowship with Leona and Dennis and shared many a laugh as well as sharing our struggles.
I found Leona to be such a sweet , loving friend who had an an ability to make whoever she was with feel like they were her best friend. I quickly grew to love Leona and we shared our heart with one another many times, often via long text messages which was ironic because when I first met her Leona said she didn’t really text .
I will always be so thankful to the Lord for my friendship with Leona and I will surely miss her until one day I will see her again.
The last time I saw Leona was at their home the Sunday before she passed away and was so grateful to be able to say goodbye and spend some time with her and tell her I loved her . Dennis, we grieve with you and cannot begin to fathom how deeply you must miss your Leona .
J
Joe and Sharon Kronstal posted a condolence
Friday, November 27, 2020
From the first time we met Leona in early 1980s, we saw how she completed Dennis, Joe's boyhood friend. She balanced his energetic nature with her calm, patient demeanour and her abundant love.
When we moved to Winnipeg in 2010 we enjoyed shared meals, live theatre and movie outings. Sharon appreciated Leona inviting her to join her book club at Prairie Ink. We were inspired by her interest in art and beauty - she had such a delight and strong understanding of the power of words.
Leona's steadfast faith - her grasp of the truth that "this life is but an isthmus between eternities" was evident in our last visit over FaceTime. She passed into her Saviour's everlasting arms less than one week later, and her face radiated peace.
To our dear friend Dennis, a deep sympathy for your loss and compassion for the grief you and your family share,
Sharon & Joe Kronstal
How she loved her family, her eyes shone as she talked about them
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Beryl posted a condolence
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Leona was such a godly woman and a great example to me. She was so easy to love.
I can never thank her and Dennis enough for all they did for me from the time of my husband's death to the time the Lord healed my adrenal fatigue. God's timing was impeccable and their compassion was fantastic. She was so faithful in chilldren's minisrtry and our ladies prayer group -- and always with a smile. What a hole she leaves in our church body. Rest well, my friend.
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Dennis Sweatman uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
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Anne posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Leona was my English teacher in High school. I have many fond memories of Leona including her directing our youth group in a Shakespeare play. Camping together at Hecla. Doing a one in one bible study with her. Being her Bridesmaid at her wedding. I definitely considered her a mentor.
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Peter Fast posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
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Leona and Dennis were active for years with Bridges for Peace. Leona volunteered countless hours helping at events and functions with joy. Her smile and servant heart were always such an encouragement to all. She will be remembered as a person full of love for people, a defender of Israel, a gentle soul, a woman of great faith, a devoted wife, and dear friend. May her memory be a blessing.
Rev. Peter Fast
National Director
Bridges for Peace Canada
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Jack Booth posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Leona and I taught together in the very early days of TKS here in Winnipeg. Lots of laughter, lots of fun and a superb team player. She was a joy to work with...
Jack Booth
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Bonnie posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
It has been a treasure and an honour to walk alongside you both. I have always said to Leona that I wanted to be just like her when I am a grandma— the way she spoke to and about the ones she loved encouraged me to look deeply at what it means to love. She was so genuine and wise. It was beautiful to watch how she chose to love, live, forgive, and bring the light of Jesus with her everywhere. She was truly inspiring to me, and I was happy to be able to tell her that on many occasions. She will be sadly missed, but she has clearly passed on her essence to you Twila. You are an individual, yes, but you hold the flame of your momma, and you carry her presence with you. The love between you was a rare unique mother/daughter gift that I know you will treasure always, and the reunion will be sweet, so very sweet.
Dennis, the love you showed for you wife is a challenge for all of us in how to love. Thank you for showing us all how to care for those gifted to us. There will be dark days ahead, but Jesus shines so brightly in your life— we pray you will feel Him so closely. I so appreciate your letting me share in your grief.
We were reminiscing about our families visiting the U.S. together. I love how the Lord draws people together in preparation for what’s to come. We have fond memories of that adventure, and trust the Lord has more adventures ahead. Bless you both as you take one step at a time. You are loved.
Much, much love,
Bonnie
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Wendy Martens posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
I got to know Leona when she and Dennis were dating...she was sweet! Even though over the years we didn't see each other often,..when we did it was so good! I will miss her so much!
Wendy Martens
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Audra Hildebrand posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Leona was always so kind and had a ready smile. You always felt loved and encouraged when you were with her. That God was good and big and things would be okay in the end. Such a great example! She loved on my kids too. Cassia and Tasha were blessed by her Sunday school teaching and ended up helping her out in her classes too! No doubt she will be hugging her Jesus that she loved so well.
Audra Hildebrand
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Kenton Barkman posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
So saddened to hear of Leona’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family. I was blessed to have her as my Grade one teacher, back in her days teaching at Mennville School. She taught and inspired in me a love of art, poetry & thinking outside of the box! She also taught us to be proper and descent humans at a young age! I think of her most days as scripture songs, especially psalms, were song with melodies that are with me all my life! And I always wished we could have reconnected as adults. In heaven, I guess.
Prayers are with the family.
J
Jana Bergen posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
I have fond memories of playing with Letitia at your house, both when it was small and you both shared a bed..and after your parents added on.. I can still hear your mom calling Letitia's name...just the uniqueness of her voice. I loved playing dolls, Barbies etc etc at their house and your parents were gracious enough to host my 16th birthday at their place when there was no where else. Sending love to you all.
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Laurie Paul posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Leona was a very kind and wise...Had many a lively conversation s with Dennis and Leona in the late 90’s and early 2000’s... we all worked on a few projects together..Chatted with her and Dennis at Gateway candle light Christmas concert and sing along... Great Lady and will be missed
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Grace Micklefield lit a candle
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
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I'm so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your mom growing up. Always su j a kind sweet and sensitive woman. My heart is with you
J
Julie Koppanyi posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
I actually never had the pleasure of knowing your wife/mother but just hearing all the tender moments and memories that you shared during this journey, tells me that she was a mighty woman of God. I understand the deep pain of loosing a parent but her legacy lives on within you. Hold on to those beautiful memories, share them with your children because in doing so, she lives on. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Rick and Julie koppanyi
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The family of Leona Sweatman uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
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