Leona Jean Robertson was born on May 7, 1946 in Antler, Sask.
The fourth child to Verna and Herb Robertson. Leona grew up on a farm south of Antler and lived in Storthoaks.
Leona is survived by her loving daughters: Lorie Kean, Tracey Turner and Shelly Burnstad (Brice); sister Mable (Phil) Wilk; brother Harvey Robertson (Marie); grandson’s Darren Roselle, Glen Primrose; great grandson’s Dominic Roselle and Dayton Schafer; as well as numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Leona was predeceased by her beloved baby daughter Debbie; father Herb; loving mother Verna; brother Mel Robertson; sister Betty Ness (Gordy Ness); son-in-law James Kean; her angle granddaughter’s Kelly and Lindsey Kean.
Leona moved to the big city of Calgary around age twelve. She attended Forest Lawn High School till she was wed at 17. From this union she was blessed with the first of four baby girls, Lorie Kean (Fankanel).
Leona worked at the Forest Lawn Hotel and as a secretary at Old Dutch Foods. She married Bill Gaunt and two more baby girls were welcomed to the world – Debbie and Tracey. Sadly, Debbie was taken at age five in 1972 from complications of a blood disorder HHT which plagued her family forever.
Leona, knowing she had to provide for her remaining daughters, worked day and night to keep her family going. Then two years later her youngest girl, Shelly Burnstad (Trofimenkoff) was born and her family was now complete.
Leona worked at the #275 Legion and the Ogden Legion for many years. She was an avid curler winning many trophies.
Leona owned three hotels in her self-made career – Rosedale, Rumsey and Halkirk. She almost owned one on Vancouver Island. When she went there, she fell in love and stayed till the chance to buy her first hotel, leaving the city for small town life again with her youngest Shelly. She lived a good life in Rosedale, lots of fun, laughs and success.
She then bought the Rumsey Hotel and made a bigger success of her business. She enjoyed curling again, new friends and good times. She then bought the Halkirk Hotel where she was for over 20 years.
She made time to travel if she could – Thailand, Spain, Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, California, Florida, New Orleans and Nova Scotia. And we can’t forget her favourite, Las Vegas.
She will be missed by so many who loved her dearly. Her daughters thank you all who were good to her.
Always in our hearts and on our minds.
We love you Mom.
No formal funeral service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the HHT ~ Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (hhtcanada.com/donate/).
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements 403-742-3342.
