December 6, 1927 - August 14, 2024
In loving memory ~
Leona Mary McNeill was born in Rochester, Minnesota to Carl and Mary Johnson and was raised on a farm in Admiral, Saskatchewan with her sister Gloria. She passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side in Burns Lake, due to complications from a fall a few weeks prior.
Lee married Art Stadey in November 1947 and they lived in Salmo. Art passed away in 1975. She married Ken McNeill in February 1978 and Ken passed away in October 2021.
She worked at various places in the Kootenays, Kens Cafe, MacLeods, Berg Naqvi, Sterling Home Furnishings, and Maglio Building Supplies. Lee lived in Cranbrook, Sheep Creek, Ymir, Salmo (twice) and Nelson. She moved to Burns Lake in May 2024 to live with her son Will and daughter in law Sue.
She was predeceased by her mother Mary, father Carl, husband Art, husband Ken, sister Gloria, and daughter Arlene (Laible).
Lee is survived by her son Will (Sue), daughter, Linda (Jack), and son in law Bill Laible. Grandchildren, Corey (Char) Fowler, Shayne Laible, Jason Laible, Sean (Nicole) Stadey, James Stadey, Bob (Marissa) Denny and Brandy Denny. Great Grandchildren, Cody (Miranda), Rhylynn (Tania), Dakota (Angus), Sileena, Holdyn, Abery, Hadley, Tyler, Trystin, Alexander and Atlas. Great great grandchildren, Marshall, Rhett, Rowan and Elina plus a huge extended family with nieces, nephews and others.
Lee loved crafts, bowling (Canadian Champion) bingo, gambling, cards and watching the ball games. Canucks and Blue Jays were her favorites. She was well known for her huckleberry jam and zucchini cookies, most of which she gave away. One of many highlights of her long and productive life was when her grandson Corey took her to a Canucks game in Calgary.
She still maintained her drivers license and went to the hairdresser and got her lotto tickets on her own. This was an indication of her being an independent and decisive woman.
Lee was a sixteen year cancer survivor.
A celebration of life is planned for July 4th in Salmo.
We Miss You.....Mom