Freeda Theresia Leonard
LEONARD - Freeda was born on September 18, 1932 in Wilkie, SK to Frank and Katherine (nee Schmidt) Bahm. She was one of eleven siblings, so she likely had a similar experience to most prairie children with lots of hard work and sharing. She married Barney Leonard on April 14, 1953, in Kerrobert, SK, and they were blessed with seven children. Freeda held a few careers outside of being a homemaker. She was a Telephone Operator for a period of time, then a Member Service Representative at the Credit Union in Kerrobert, and after retiring, worked in Laundry Services at Buena Vista Lodge.
Even though Barney passed away quite young on November 23, 1997, Freeda continued to live in their home until 2010, when she moved to Hillside Lodge. She later lived for a time at Heritage Manor in Kindersley before moving closer to home at the Kerrobert Integrated Healthcare Facility after it opened.
Freeda had many special memories. The best times of her life were spent as the love of Barney’s life, their shared love of family, dancing, and horse racing. During most summer weekends, once the kids had grown somewhat, they would follow the Saskatchewan Chuckwagon and Chariot circuit, enjoying races, rodeo, camping, dancing and many new friends. This also brings wonderful memories for the whole family. Freeda was a caring mother to her seven children and their spouses and partners, and a very warm and thoughtful grandma to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The youngsters brought special joy to Freeda, even during recent times when visits could only be made by video. She is fondly remembered for her prowess in the kitchen which her family claims could rival Julia Childs on any given day. She was a great cook, and even better baker and a very fine seamstress as well. At Christmas time, you could be sure to catch Freeda with the Christmas music playing and a flurry of baking activity that resulted in enough goodies to feed the town, not the least of which was her famous rum-soaked Christmas cake. Freeda and Barney loved to dance and never liked to miss the New Year’s Eve dance in Kerrobert. Her children were with Freeda to bid her farewell on her last twirl New Year’s eve morning 2021.
Freeda was predeceased by her parents Frank Bahm & Katherine (nee Schmidt) Bahm, husband, Earl (Barney) Leonard, siblings Florence Sanders, Walter Bahm, Harold Bahm, Everet Bahm, Margaret Senger, Chris Bahm, Magdalena Bahm, Rose Wain, Jock Bahm and Delora Bahm, mother in law Johanna Leonard and father in law Edward Leonard.
She is survived by and lovingly remembered by her children; Wes (Cathy) Leonard, Heather (Doug) Stewart, Nancy Leonard, Kim Leonard, Bob (Carol) Leonard, Bernie (Murray) Meyer & Sally (Roman) Maziarz; sister-in-law Virginia Bahm, grandchildren; Troy Stewart, Jody Stewart, Darcy (Kimmy) Leonard, Curtis (Jennifer) Leonard, Jessica (Brendon) Proce, Anthony Meyer, Sydney Maziarz, Mackenzie Maziarz, and great-grandchildren; Ty Stewart, Ambria Stewart, Mikaila Leonard, Marissa Leonard, Hunter Leonard, Scarlett Stewart, Zinnia Proce and Margot Proce.