JOSEPHINE (MASHKAWIZI KWE STRONG WOMAN) LEONARD

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and niece.
Josephine Leonard, 58, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 3, 2017 at her home on Rainy River First Nations.
Josephine was born on Oct. 24, 1958 to Roseanne and Daniel Leonard at the Emo Hospital in Emo, Ont. She was the third-eldest of six children (four sisters and one brother).
Josephine loved her favourite hobby of gardening. For many years, she kept an immaculate flower garden until her illness prevented her from doing so.
Josephine graduated with a business degree, majoring in accounting. She worked for many years employed for Rainy River First Nations and ONWA.
She married Stephen Markewich on March 13, 1987.
Josephine is survived by her children, Jamie (Rhonda) and Stephanie (Tyler), grandchildren, Jamon, Petrina, and Carmen; and great-granddaughter, Roszelina.
She also is survived her brother, Jim (Debbie); sisters, Debbie (Domenic) and Verna; and numerous nieces, grand-nieces, nephews, and grand-nephews too numerous to mention.
Josephine was predeceased by her grandparents, Jim and Janet Leonard; parents, Roseanne and Daniel Leonard; sisters, Doris Leonard and Julie Leonard; and nephew, Desmond Lee DeBungie.
Josephine was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, whom she loved more than life itself. She also loved cooking from scratch, making soups, sauces, canning, and baked goods.
It always warmed her heart to bring her family together for a home-cooked meal, no matter how she was feeling.
A wake was held Friday, April 7, 2017 at 4 p.m. at the Rainy River First Nations gymnasium.
Services were held Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10 a.m., with Rev. Frances Flook and Elder Gilbert Smith officiating.
Interment was held at the cemetery up on Manitou Rapids Hill.
The pallbearers were Jamon Leonard, Steven Leonard, James Allen Leonard, Lionel Horton, Calvin Bombay Jr., and Tyler LaBelle.
The honourary pallbearers were Jean Bombay, Doug Horton, Margaret Markewich, Doug Horton Sr., Maria Bombay, and Melissa LaBelle.
If friends and family may so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.