LEONA CLARA BRADFORD (nee Misch) 1919-2020

We are left to mourn the passing of Leona Clara Bradford on March 16th, 2020 at McVean Lodge in Hanover. She had recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Leona was born on February 28th, 1919 to Louis and Emilie Misch in Brant Township.

Her early years were spent on the family farm. She often shared her memories of what it was like to care for the animals. She attended elementary school at Johnson's Corner near Walkerton. She fell in love with James (Jim) Bradford and they married on September 1, 1942. They spent their first years of married life living in West Toronto where they both worked at Avro Aircraft Ltd in Malton building planes during WW ll.

Leona and Jim appreciated fine dining and delectables. She had a knack for cooking, canning, and baking so it was only fitting that they opened an eatery, The Cozy Knook Restaurant in Port Credit which they had from 1960 to 1964.

Following that, they moved to Mississauga where Leona was employed by Sylvania Lighting Products of Canada until her retirement in 1984.

Family was always very important to Leona. She kept up to date with the events in her relative's lives, young and old. She took a sincere interest in everyone. She relished going through her photo albums and as she looked at every picture she would recall and share the memories with accuracy and detail. Leona was predeceased by her parents, her husband Jim (1994), three brothers Norman, Louis and Paul and six sisters Elsie, Annie, Louise, Caroline, Beata, and Dorothy. Leona was the last surviving member of her immediate family and leaves behind many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and several great, great nieces and nephews. Over the years, Leona (known as Lee) made a lot of great friends whom she loved and treasured as extended family.

Leona was always ready to throw out the welcome mat to everyone, a gracious and hospitable hostess who loved to entertain family and friends. She was generous, kind, and truly cared for the well-being of others. Her beaming smile invited conversation with everyone she met. The sparkle in her eyes was the first clue that she had a mischievous side and a fine sense of humour, often breaking into spontaneous laughter when a joke or funny story was told; she knew a few good ones too. She lived by her motto " you don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing." She truly believed that laughter was the best medicine.

She enjoyed the companionship of her much loved dogs. Leona enjoyed the outdoors, often going for walks to take in the sunshine for its Vitamin D she'd say, and get the exercise to keep as fit as possible. Her love for shopping never ended, even after she turned 100. She was always happy to get out to see what was new in the stores. Her hobbies included knitting and a variety of needlework, sewing and reading. Leona was always open to learning new things. She enjoyed her gardens of fruits, vegetables and flowers; her property in Port Credit was kept in pristine condition, a real showpiece.

Her sense of independence and confidence allowed her to drive well into her 90s, down the busiest thoroughfares in the Toronto area, with no hesitation to be in the passing lane when needed. She was thrilled when the Go Train began, allowing easier and quicker access to downtown Toronto. Leona really enjoyed the hustle and bustle of urban living with its varied venue of arts and entertainment. She frequently attended concerts, shows and theatrical productions. She had an appreciation for music.

Even as she aged she took pride and care in her appearance. She loved to be 'perfectly put together', which was reflected in her clothing, jewellery, hair, makeup and fingernails. People would remark how youthful and vibrant she always looked.

Her faith was invincible; she modeled her steadfast morals and values and lived her life as a fine example of love and devotion. She was a faithful member of her church family, most recently at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mississauga, where her involvement was valued and valuable. She believed in the power of prayer and in the scripture for guidance and inspiration.

Although her mind was sharp, and her spirit unscathed, her body finally had to succumb to its limitations and she passed away peacefully with loving arms around her. She will live on forever in the hearts and memories of those who cherished her.

Leona's wishes were honoured in having her body donated to science. At last her remains will be inurned at the Walkerton Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover and condolences may be sent to the family at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca