It is with the deepest of sadness that we announce the passing of Leona Zboril-Benson of Edmonton. Leona passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.
Leona will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Todd–semicolon– their children, Alexandra (8) and Danika (5)–semicolon– mother, Byrdie Zboril–semicolon– brothers, Larry (Adele) Zboril and Jeff (Bev) Zboril–semicolon– sisters, Nola (Dean) Buchanan and Betty Zboril–semicolon– sisters-in-law, Sherry (Hal) Herbison and Candice Bryden (Jaime Pinilla) and numerous family and friends.
She was predeceased by her father, Roy Zboril–semicolon– father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Tilly Benson–semicolon– sister-in-law, Gaylene Ostafichuk.
Throughout Leona’s 27 year nursing career, her passion for quality and improvement in health care inspired her to achieve her PhD in nursing. With her further education, Leona was able to implement these changes.
Leona truly loved her family and friends and had a real zest for life. Her love of food, hearty laugh and the sparkle in her eyes will be forever missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 210 Haddow Close, Edmonton on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
Memorial donations in memory of Leona may be made to a charity of your choice.
Selikke Janes-Kelley says
Hi Todd, Alexandra and Danika thinking about you all. Loved working with Leona she was an amazing friend and colleaque. I know how much she loved you all as every day we would start the day with a Tim Horton’s coffee and wonderful warm loving stories about her evening before with the three of you. Will keep you in my prayers lots of love and hugs Selikke
Sandra Kessler says
I am so sorry that someone of Leona’s valuable qualities had to be taken so young. May you all be blessed and comforted at this time
Andrea Zerr(Zuk) says
It saddened me to hear of your loss. It has been many years since I last saw Leona. We were nursing classmates at Kelsey and then roommates on 6th street in the old blue house. She had the most pure, honest laugh and loved life. I remember her love of cheese buns with cream cheese and ham which she took to work for lunch everyday. I pray for your peace and understanding in the days,months and years ahead.
Donna Lynn Smith says
It was a privilege to have worked with Leona as she completed her graduate studies. I will remember her with affection as an intelligent, strong, and disciplined person with great common sense and a wonderful, sparkling personality. Todd’s support to her and their delight in their daughters made the achievement of her graduate degrees a family accomplishment. Please accept my deepest respect and sympathy .
Donna Lynn Smith
Thirza Smith says
Mike and I are so sorry for your loss. Leona was so vivacious and had the most wicked smile and that wonderful laugh! We will be thinking of you and hoping for healing.
Margaret-Ann(Maggie) Kindrachuk says
My condolences on the passing of Leona. May the happy times live in the secret chamber of yours and your girls heart forever. My prayers and blessings at this time.
Lisa Hughes says
My deepest sympathies go out to you during this time. Leona was one of the most amazing and strong women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She was truly and inspiration. Big hugs to you all. Lisa
Karen Litwinow (Kegler) says
My thoughts and prayers are with Leonas family. When I was told of this sad news I was in Awe I never thought the girl with “that laugh” would be gone so young. I can still hear it. The kindness and caring Leona showed when we were growing up obviously stayed with her and she shared with her family and through out her career. Leona was a beautiful person inside and out. God bless her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Colleen Slywa says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this unbelievably sad time. When I think of Leona I remember the clicking of her high heels down the hallway, that absolutely wonderful laugh of hers, the way she would get so excited when it was Friday and “date night” and how extremely proud she was of her girls. I will cherish the friendship I had with Leona always. She was a truly beautiful person.
Faye and Brent McVeigh says
Our most sincere sympathy to the Zboril and Benson families on the passing of Leona. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Faye and Brent McVeigh and family and Lorraine Hutchinson
Walter Wirch says
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and the entire family. I can’t imagine what your going through. I wish I had the right words to say.
I will never forget Leona’s laugh.
Walter and Kandice Wirch
Michele Malkewich says
To Leona’s family; my deepest sympathies to you. Leona was an amazing gal. We went through high school togeher and reconnected here in Edmonton, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Michele Shumka-Malkewich
Gayle Urquhart says
Todd, Alexandra & Danika,
I am truly saddened to hear of Leona’s passing. Leona was such a great women with such courage over the last year.
I have such fond memories of Leona when we worked together and after when we had dinners…the laughter Bernice, Leona and I shared was unbelievable. I can hear her laugher and see that great smile on her face. It is those memories I will cherish.
And oh how she spoke so fondly and lovingly of all you. It is hard to know what to say at a time like now when you are so sad. A wise women once said to me once “A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory”. For all of you I hope that brings some degree of comfort.
I will truly miss Leona.
Donna Stewart says
What a privilege it has been knowing Leona. We don’t often meet people who are intelligent, quick witted, analytical, funny, and beautiful inside and out. She was full of joy, and had such love for her family. And that laugh….