It is with great sadness that the family of the late Leona Rose Shiwak (nee Watkins) announce her peaceful passing on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at age of 96 years. Leona was born in Twillingate on April 22, 1928.

Leaving to mourn the loss of her beautiful life are her daughters, Joanne Efford and Catherine (Terry Snow). She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Tina (Earl Connolly), Erica (Tom Doucette), Paul (Stephanie Snow) and Crystal Snow; great-grandchildren Colton, Lincoln, Lucy-Quinn and Ava; sister Ruby ( Ford) Bradbury and brother Lloyd Watkins ( Melva); many nieces and nephews other family and friends.

Leona was pre-deceased by her husband Lincoln Shiwak, her parents, Samuel and Dorcas Watkins and 12 other precious brothers and sisters.

Leona grew up in a loving family of 14 children. During her childhood she began her personal walk with the Lord. After leaving Twillingate, as a young woman, she lived in Grand Falls and Toronto before moving to Happy Valley, Labrador. There she met and married her true love Lincoln and focused on a family life of raising their two daughters. Leona was an avid pet lover and just as excited as her girls, to have a pet dog, cat or budgie bird. Leona’s support to the local church comprised of music, visitation, Sunday School, Women’s ministries and assisted her husband in his church work as Secretary Treasurer.

Her community involvement as an annual canvasser for multiple charities did not go unnoticed. In addition, Leona’s hospitality to hundreds of travellers was a mark of her kindness as she provided overnight accommodations and a good hot meal. Yet, no welcome was so special as when her four grandchildren entered their lives.

Each arrival was showered with love and a little spoiling. In later years, this was further enhanced when the “great grandchildren” arrived bringing added joy and love into her life.

In later years, Leona and Lincoln retired in Lewisporte giving them more access to family and friend visits and country drives. She loved this community dearly and always wanted to return.

After her husband’s passing, Leona moved to CBS to live with family and later moved into

Heritage Square Retirement Living. She made new friends and participated in Helping Hands

group, craft activities and church services. Her gentle Christian influence impacted more lives than she realized. Today we celebrate her 96 years and the beautiful Christian legacy she has left us.

Resting at Families Funeral Home in Lewisporte with visitation to take place on Sunday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 3:00pm from Philadelphia Pentecostal Tabernacle, Lewisporte with interment to follow at the Pentecostal Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or donations may be made in her memory to Global Missions-PAONL

Funeral service will be live-streamed through Philadelphia Pentecostal Tabernacle Facebook page.