Obituary of Leona O'Brien

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Leona Elizabeth (Kell) O’Brien, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, in St. Martha’s Palliative Care Unit with her dedicated family by her side.  Born September 20th, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Margaret (Rogers) Kell. 

Leona was a pillar within her family, friends, and community.  She dedicated years of faithful service as a member of the St. Mary’s Parish Community serving on parish council and choir. She was devoted to her family and was often found in her happy place in the kitchen with the mixing bowl. She spent her years maintaining a warm welcoming home and could always turn a meal into a feast with a side of biscuits. For a period of time, she shared her love for preparing meals with the students at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School. She looked forward to preparing for the changing of the seasons; from berry picking, pickling, jam making, and lovedpreparing the winter wood supply to be surrounded by the warmth of the wood fire.  

In the company of family and friends she enjoyed travel, music, card plays, concerts, and was an avid supporter of all community dinners near and far. After retirement, quilting became her pastime.  Many of her quilts are proudly displayed in each of her children’s homes.  Others proudly donated for various causes and displayed and sold at quilt shows. 

Leona was predeceased by her husband Harry (2003) and her daughter Linda (2021). She is survived by her children Jerry (Donna) of Maryvale; Maureen (Doug) Appel of Calgary, AB; Sandy (Karen Timmermans) of Chestermere, AB; Billy (Barbara Ann) of Moncton, NB; J.J. of Moncton, NB; Donnie (Sarah) of Malignant Cove; beloved grandchildren Courtney (Mark Wagner); Stephanie (Edward Wright); Tyler (Julie); Andie, Kellan, Cayden, Brooke, Evan, Breagh, Hayden, Raya, Parker, and Leo, and first great-grandchild Marshall; brother Jim, Antigonish; sisters, Alexina (late Edward) MacDonald, Antigonish; Frances (Ambrose) Chisholm, Cape Jack; sisters in-law Mary (late Jack) Kell; Barb (late Tommy) O’Brien, Maryvale; Brenda (Brian) Thornton, Mapledale, N.B.; Dianne (Donnie) Cameron, Lantana, Fl.; and Margie Van Vleet, Virginia, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.  

We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at VON Antigonish, Antigonish and Area Homemakers, and the St. Martha’s palliative care team for the compassionate and attentive care, with special thanks to nurse and family friend Lisa Benoit. Further, Leona cherished the dedicated care she received from Dr. Phillip Cooper, oncologist, Shelly Robertson, palliative care coordinator, and Dr. John Hickey, her family physician.  

Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, Thursday, August 17, 2023, in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Maryvale, Rev. Andrew Boyd presiding. Burial following in the parish cemetery . 

Donations may be made to Victorian Order of Nurses Antigonish, Antigonish and Area Homemakers, or St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation.