Obituary of M. Leona Gower

The family of Leona (Sonier) Gower are saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Kings Way Care Centre surrounded by her family. Born in Sheila, NB, on October 19, 1928, Mom, was eldest daughter of the late Dominique and Catherine (Savoie) Sonier, and wife of the late Fulton D. Gower. As a young woman, she left Sheila for Saint John speaking very little English and worked at CentraCare and the Saint John General Hospital until she married Fulton. Mom was the proud mother of ten children, … Frank (Kelly) of Beloeil, QC, John (Susan) of Surrey, BC, Gerald (Wendy) of Mission, BC, Murray (Gerry) of Saint John, Jimmy of Topley, BC, Brenda (Ken) of Saint John, Wanda (Paul) of Amherst , NS, Dianna (Wayne) of Saint John, Gary (Veronica) of Rothesay and Lynn (Earl) of Lorneville. Her eyes would light up when she was surrounded by her 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Besides her children, Mom is survived by four sisters, … Ella Robichaud (Jean-Claude), Almida Dion (John), Annette McLaughlin (Marc), Thèresa Godin (Ovila); and four brothers … Aldoria (Linda), Jean-Claude, Côme (Blanche), Aldeodat (Eddie) (Marcelle) as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and her husband, Mom was predeceased by one sister, Viola and eight brothers, Antoine, Côme, Donald, Norman, Felician (Phil), Roger, Albenie (Ben) and Dominique Jr. Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Mom’s life at Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street, Saint John (634-1965) on Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8 from 2 … 4 and 7 … 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Pettingill Road, Quispamsis on Friday, March 9 at 10:00 am. Mom will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. A reception following the burial will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Donations in Mom’s name can be made to the NB Heart & Stroke Foundation, Kings Way Care Centre or to a charity of the donor’s choice. The family would like to thank the staff at Kings Way Care Centre for their dedication and love given to Mom during her stay there.