Obituary of Leona Phyllis Rebecca Arseneault (nee Schultz)

October 3, 1954 – Calgary, Alberta

August 6, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Leona Arseneault, on Friday, August 6, 2021, at the age of 66 years. Daughter, wife, mom, grandma, aunt, sister and friend, she gave all of her love and kindness to each of these roles in her life. 

Born October 3, 1954 in Calgary as the 5th of nine children, all of whom had names beginning with the letter “L”, her childhood years were full of love and laughter, and occasional moments of sheer madness and confusion!

Leona obtained certification as a Health Care Aide in the 1970s, in one of the very first classes to graduate in Alberta. She went on to provide loving support and care for seniors and disabled adults in various care homes for many years.  When her health prevented her from carrying out such a demanding physical role, she sought out work in telephone administration roles. For someone who often stated she was quite shy, she was absolutely delightful both in person and on the phone, and had a way of making people feel good about themselves in her presence. 

Her kindness for others wasn’t limited to people, for she was also a huge fan of furry friends, having a particular soft spot for dogs.  It was that gentle and loving nature of hers that won the attention of a fun-loving Frenchman, John or JP (Jean-Pierre) as some knew him, and in 1986, she married him, declaring she’d found the love of her life, and gaining three grown step-kids in the process.  They shared a love of animals, video games, and their grandsons, and were utterly devoted to each other until his passing in September 1998.

Leona will be lovingly remembered by her sons Francois (Sandy), Simon (Darlene) and her daughter Celine (John);  her grandsons Cody, Jared, Sam and Eli;  her remaining seven siblings, Larry, Lorraine, Lois, Laura, Lyle, Leland, and Lola; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Besides losing her beloved John in 1998, she was also predeceased by her parents, Isabel in 2019 and Bennie in 1994, as well as her sister, Linda in 1979.

Special mention must be made giving gratitude to all of the amazing staff at the Hillhurst Unit at Brentwood Intercare for their kind and compassionate care over the last several years that Leona resided there. 

As per Leona’s wishes no formal services will be held, however it would mean a great deal to her if you were to donate to an animal shelter in her memory.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Leona’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Leona Arseneault, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.