It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of (Irene) Leona Beare (nee Perras) of Fillmore on February 21, 2013, at the age of 79 years. Leona was predeceased by her parents, Wilfred and Marie Perras; her brothers: Dennis Perras, Rene Perras and Aurel Perras; her sister Armande Nixon. Leona is survived and will be dearly missed by her husband, Ivan Beare; her four children: Rod (Debbie) Beare of Fillmore and her three children: Leanna (Ian) Pickering of Melfort and their children: Amy, Carlee and Erin; Claude (Joanne) Beare of Fillmore and his son, Cordelle and their daughters: Caitlyn and Miya; Camilla Armstrong of Innisfail, Alberta and her children: Brittany, Brandon, Alyssa, Nathan, Amber, Jayde and Ashton; brother, Paul Perras of Christopher Lake; Lucie Coupal, Medstead; Annette (Henry) Roy, Kelowna, BC; Marie Marthe (Clayton) Edmonston, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba; Evelyn Lefebre, Legal, Alberta and Therese (Lucien) Larochelle, Gravelbourg along with numerous nieces and nephews. Leona was born and raised on a farm near Montmartre, and spoke only French until she started her education au Upper Wakefield Country School. She moved to Fillmore to work as a housekeeper, where she met Ivan in 1951 at a community dance. They wed on June 8, 1953 and were married for almost 60 years. Ivan and Leona eventually moved onto their own homestead and worked tirelessly developing their mixed farming operation. She created a beautiful home where she lived until the time of her illness. Leona dearly loved her four children and cherished her 13 grandchildren. Each of them were special to her and she always took the time to watch whatever activity or event they were involved in. She was the "perfect" grandmother. She also had many close, special friends who will miss her dearly. Leona loved baking, was a fabulous cook and hosted many delicious meals for her family and friends. She took great pride in her manicured yard containing a variety of flowers and trees and she planted a huge garden full of vegetables each year. Leona took part in many activities which provided great enjoyment to her, where she and Ivan met many people over the years and formed strong, lasting friendships. She loved old time and square dancing, and even took part in senior games dancing competitions for seven years and won gold medals six of those years. Leona enjoyed playing cards and entered many bridge tournaments. She volunteered at the Creelman plays and worked as a hostess for the last few years. Leona also loved to travel, and she and Ivan enjoyed many wonderful vacations together and with family. The family would like to thank the staff of the Weyburn General Hospital and the Fillmore Union Health Centre for the care Leona received in the few short weeks that remained of her life. She was a special, unique person and will be sadly missed by all who knew and were touched by her. A Celebration of Life for Leona was held on Monday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. from Fillmore United Church, Fillmore with Rev. Ann White, officiating. Interment followed at Fillmore Cemetery, Fillmore. All in attendance were considered Honorary Pallbearers. For those so wishing, donations in memory of Leona may be made to the Fillmore Union Health Centre, P.O. Box 246, Fillmore, SK SOG 1N0. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (306-848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family"
