Obituary of Leona Green

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Leona Green, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 at the age of 86 years. 

Gertrude Leona Green (nee Smalley) was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan on November 11, 1935. On February 9th, 2022 Leona left this earthly realm to joyfully (and no doubt loudly) reunite with her parents Julian and Patricia Smalley, brother Robert "Bob" Smalley and sister Kathleen "Babs" Wallace.

Her family moved from Saskatchewan to a homestead in the Dawson Creek area when she was a small child. Leona remained here for the balance of her full and interesting life, marrying in 1954 and raising a family whilst living in Dawson Creek, then Farmington, and finally in the picturesque log house on the Old Hart Highway property known as Hillspring Farm. 

She spent countless hours throughout the years in service to others. Whether tending bar or serving banquets at the Dawson Creek Royal Canadian Legion, sorting parcels during seasonal rushes at the local post office, or in advocacy for causes that riled up her "Irish blood".

After Leona divorced, she met her life partner Al (who predeceased her in 2013). They both loved entertaining and spent many a weekend, holiday, or special occasion cooking huge meals and opening their home and hearts to family, friends, and colleagues. The gatherings were never complete without a great deal of merrymaking, storytelling and trying to best one another at whatever game was being played.

Seeing the world was something that Leona often spoke about. Although she never got the chance to see her beloved Ireland or go to Italy like she dreamed, she and Al regularly travelled (often with one or more kids in tow) to places in Mexico, across the US, and throughout Canada. Meandering around as many off-the-beaten-track locations as they could fit into their time away.  

Leona carried a deep love for animals and always had critters of one sort or another. From tracking down and rounding up a wayward herd of cattle, saving newborn calves from hypothermia, hatching bantam chicks in the stove’s warming oven, chasing escape-artist pigs, to trying to outwit a randy rooster at the acreage in Farmington, she kept her sense of humour through many animal-related trials and tribulations.

After Leona moved to the Hillspring Farm property, as well as raising chickens, pigs, and other small farm animals, she began rehabilitating wildlife. It didn't matter whether it was an owl, a bear, a moose, or a lynx - if it was injured or abandoned, Leona would find a way to help it heal and either be released back into the wild or homed in a sanctuary when appropriate. It was also during this time that she began raising and selling sheep - something she kept up until a very short time ago when she finally passed the last of the woolly brigade on to her eldest son.

Leona is survived by her children Ed Green (Renate) of Tomslake, Lorne Green of Arras, Bonnie Bailey of Prince George, David Green of Dawson Creek and Dayle Green of Arras; her grandchildren Len Green and Rebecca Green; step-grandchildren Nadine Bailey and Devin Bailey; nieces Elaine, Penny, Karen, Colleen and Carol; nephew Roy; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her unique views about life and the world.

Grieving will take time and things feel a bit strange for us as the book closes on this final chapter of a life well-lived, but we say, “rest well Mum - try not to make too much of a ruckus in heaven!”

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 1:00PM at Reynars Funeral Chapel.  Pastor Terry Coe will be officiating.  Leona will be interred at the Dawson Creek City Columbarium.  For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the  Rotary Manor Resident Council Fund, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 5A3

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium