Obituary of Leona Colleen Desmarais

DESMARAIS - On Christmas Day, after a brief and sudden illness, we lost a great woman in the prime of her life. Leona (Colleen) Desmarais was a generous, kind and loyal sister, companion, neighbor and friend. Born and raised in North Battleford, Colleen moved to Regina in the mid 60s and spent her life here. Colleen had a great zest for life. In her youth, she was an accomplished dancer and ball player. Not one for sitting still, Colleen tried to live life to the fullest helping neighbors and trying new things. If she wasnt learning to play guitar, she was taking painting lessons or pilates classes. Colleen loved gardening and animals, particularly Rio, her black cocker spaniel. Everyday, rain or shine, with a bounce in her step, you could find Colleen taking Rio for several daily walks around the Lakeview neighborhood. Colleen had a heart of gold. Her Mason Avenue family will miss her greatly. She was just 62 years old. Colleen is predeceased by her mother and father (Evelyn and Hugh Desmarais). She is survived by her brother Al (wife Myrtle) Desmarais and family of Prince George, BC, her aunt Clara (husband Fred) Rose of Mervin, SK, her long time best friend and companion Eleanor Longworthy, as well as numerous cousins. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Sallows and MacDonald Funeral Home in North Battleford, SK. Interment in City Cemetery, North Battleford. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to a charity of your choice. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com