Obituary of Ellen Leonard

LEONARD, ELLEN ELIZABETH (BOWLEN) Ellen Elizabeth Leonard passed away at 96 years old on January 7, 2019 in Victoria B.C. With great sadness she is remembered by her family who miss her very much. Ellen was born on April 1st in 1922 in Devon, N.B. She was the daughter of the late Harry Bowlen and Ellen (Nellie) Dinsmore. She was the last living member of her immediate family. Ellen was a life-long learner. She was a graduate of Fredericton High School, the Provincial Normal School, and in later years Saint Thomas University. She taught elementary school for many years at Barker’s Point, Kouchibouguac, Rexton and completed her career at Saint Dunstan’s School in Fredericton in 1987. Ellen enjoyed music, travelling, and loved to knit. She was a member of many choirs including the Fredericton Choral Society and Saint Dunstan’s choir. She moved to Banff, Alberta at age 80 to live with her daughter Theresa. While living in the mountains Ellen enjoyed attending many concerts at The Banff Centre, shopping and going to restaurants. In her younger years she travelled to Ireland, and throughout Europe. In her 80’s she visited Barcelona, Paris, New York, Maui and Whitehorse. She spent many winters living in Toronto with her son Michael. She was happy to visit with family in Fredericton on a recent trip from Oak Bay, B.C. in September 2018. Ellen was a long-time member of the Catholic Women’s league (CWL) beginning in 1957 in Richibucto, N.B. Later she was a member of the CWL at Saint Theresa’s Church in Fredericton. In her youth she was an active member of Saint Anthony’s Parish in Devon and was President of the Catholic Youth Organization. It was during this time of her life she met her husband Thomas Leonard, while he was stationed in Fredericton during WWII. Ellen is survived by her four children Daniel (Marianne McEvoy) of Fredericton, Theresa of Oak Bay, B.C., Raymond (Terry Cheverie), McLeod Hill, N.B, and Michael, Oak Bay, B.C. She also leaves behind her six grandchildren Patrick, New York City, Caitlin, Fredericton, Brian, Toronto, Thomas, Fredericton, Michael, Fredericton and Erin, McLeod Hill, N.B. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as her long-time friend Noreen Richard of Richibucto, and her special care giver Helen of Victoria, BC. She was pre-deceased by her husband Thomas Stanislaus Leonard, her son Thomas William and her siblings, Lenora Nicholls, Eileen LaPointe, Annie McDonald, Joseph Bowlen and Charles Bowlen. She was also pre-deceased by her sisters-in-law Annie Carter, and Margie Reinsborough, brothers-in-law William, James, Francis, Father Raymond, Vernon and Joseph Leonard. Mum was extremely proud of all her family, her faith and her Irish heritage. She was also known as “Grammie” to her grandchildren, and fondly known as “Aunt-Nan” to many. Ellen’s good humour and cheerful spirit will be missed by everyone she has touched in her long life. Visitation is at York Funeral Home on Sunday, January 13th from 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday January 14th, at 11 am at Saint Anthony’s Church. Burial will take place at Saint James RC Cemetery in Kouchibouguac, N.B. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the N.B. Lung Association, Saint Theresa’s CWL or Saint James RC Cemetery Fund, Kouchibouguac would be appreciated by the family.