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Obituary of Leona Ruth Hiebert
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, sister, auntie and dear friend Leona Ruth Hiebert (nee Schmidt), age 76, of St. Andrews, Manitoba. While in care at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, Leona was surrounded by family on Sunday, February 21st, 2021 when her battle with cancer came to an end and she went to meet her Heavenly Father.
Leona was a wonderful life partner and mother. Irven and Leona were blessed with 54 years together during which they established themselves in Winnipeg, before moving to St. Andrews, MB in 1974. During these years they raised 3 children while actively living out their faith in Jesus Christ. Leona volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, a Guide in Pioneer Girls for more than 20 years, helped with the Food Service Ministry and in later years enjoyed being part of the Piecemaker’s Quilting group.
Together with Irven, Leona was a committed member in the Church and participated in small home group bible studies in which they developed many long-lasting friendships. She lived out her faith in practical and generous ways by blessing friends, neighbours and family with the fruits of her labour from her gardens, kitchen and sewing room. Leona was a hard worker who made her house a home. She gave of her time and was known to welcome others to enjoy a meal or coffee and dessert along with a good visit.
Mom demonstrated kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, faithfulness, creativity and love in all areas of her life which she leaves as a rich inheritance for her children. Along with these traits she guided us in developing life skills, attitudes and a sense of responsibility that enabled us to become independent and responsible individuals.
It was in the fall of 2013 that she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her faith and trust in God along with the prayers and support of many, sustained her on this journey which included surgery, chemotherapy and months of recovery. During the next 6 years, Leona’s faith was strengthened and she enjoyed life to its fullest.
In the fall of 2020, she was given a diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer that metastasized to both her lung and spine. During her final battle, God revealed Himself through many acts of encouragement, blessings, prayers and the endless support given by strangers, friends and family for which we are forever grateful.
What Cancer Cannot Do…
Cancer is so limited,
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot destroy peace,
It cannot suppress memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot steal eternal life,
It cannot conquer the spirit.
~ Author Unknown
Left to treasure her memory are her loving husband Irven Hiebert, their three children Coralie, Tracy and Jeff, siblings Albert (Marie) Schmidt, Eva Neufeld, Anne Schmidt, Jacob (Marj) Schmidt and Sara Schmidt, sister-in-law Debbie Schmidt, 11 nieces and nephews and their families. She also leaves behind a large circle of extended family and friends.
Leona was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Anna Schmidt, her brother Wilfred Schmidt, brother-in-law John Neufeld and nephew Darren Schmidt.
A livestreamed private Celebration of Life service for Leona Hiebert will be held Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.
This link will be available for 90 days following the service.
If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leona Hiebert may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or to a charity of your choosing.
Our family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the doctors and nurses in Cancer Care, on our Palliative Care team and at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
