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Leda Pozdnikoff was born in Glade, British Columbia, the fifth of six children to parents Fred and Annie (nee Strukoff) Pozdnikoff. She lived in Glade for a short time before moving to Ootishenia. When she was in grade one the Pozdnikoff family moved to Salmo. Leda had many fond memories as a teenager listening to Wilf Carter, singing and picking fruit in the Okanagan with friends. She also worked as a cook/housekeeper in the Salmo area.

On December 8, 1951, Leda married John Antifaeff and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage together. They made their first home at 49 Creek in Blewett before moving closer to Blewett store, where they raised their four children. In 2006 Leda and John moved from Blewett, into town where they bought a house in the Fairview area of Nelson and in 2012 moved to Mountain Lakes Seniors Community Assisted Living. In 2015 Leda moved to Jubilee Manor.

Leda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Family was very important to her. She had a special connection with children and delighted in watching their antics. She was especially good at bringing family together and celebrating milestones with her lovely meals. She was an active member of the Doukhobor community and was a member of the Nelson Ladies Doukhobor choir for over thirty-five years. Leda enjoyed growing large gardens, preserving their harvest, cooking, baking, card games, sewing and quilting. She was a member of the Kootenay Quilters Guild and cherished the creativity and camaraderie of this group. Leda loved being out in nature and enjoyed fishing and camping excursions with her husband John to Lost Ledge, as well as many family picnics and outings. Leda forged many close friendships and enjoyed many get-togethers with her friends. She had fun travelling throughout B.C., Washington and Alberta. One of her favorite travel highlights was taking a bus tour across Canada with John in 2002.

Leda passed away much as she lived her life – peacefully, at the age of 89. She deeply loved those in her life and knew she was deeply loved in return. She is predeceased by her husband John; her parents Fred and Annie Pozdnikoff; her brothers John (Nellie) and Fred Pozdnikoff; her sisters Annie (Eli) Voykin, Helen (Jack) Tomlin, Mary (Joseph) Gorkoff; as well as several nieces and nephews. Leda leaves behind her four children Nick (Wendy) Antifaeff, John (Sylvia) Antifaeff, Carolyn (Wayne) Ludwar, Verna (Rob) McRory; eleven grandchildren Aaron (Kelsey) Antifaeff, Eric Antifaeff, Sacha (Steve) Soltys, Virginia Naismith, Karl Naismith, Michelle Antifaeff, Marlisa Antifaeff, Krista (Ryan) Hickey, Sarah Ludwar, Peter McRory, Shannon McRory; three great-grandchildren Courtney Enns, Jack Hickey and Holden Antifaeff; her sister-in-law Katie Derhousoff; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Funeral services were held January 17 and 18, 2016 at Thompson Funeral Home, followed by interment in Nelson Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Wayne Ludwar, Rob McRory, Eric Antifaeff, Karl Naismith, Peter McRory and Peter Gorkoff.

Thank you to those who came to sing, and to the staff at Thompson Funeral Home, especially Megan Johnson for your guidance, compassion and officiating during the service. Thank you to all those who provided such compassionate care to mom, especially to Dr Janz, Dr Woodward, the wonderful staff at Jubilee Manor, Mountain Lakes, Kootenay Lake Hospital, Home Support and Broader Horizons. Many thanks to all our family and friends who provided Leda’s family love and support during our time of need. God Bless You All!

Leda will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Rest in Peace, “This Little Light Of Mine” Leda, Mom, Grandma, Baba, Great Grandma, Babalicious.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca



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