Obituary for
Leola Marie Way (Graham)
Way, Leola Marie (nee Graham) – Leola passed away the same way she lived each and every day; with dignity, grace and surrounded by the love of her family on April 22, 2019 at Lookout Ridge in her 94th year.
Leola was born in Markdale, Ontario in 1926.
She was a gentle, kind and compassionate woman with an inspiring inner strength who would turn those qualities into a career of caring for others. She graduated from Guelph University School for Nurses in 1948 with gold medal honours for highest standing and proficiency. She would then move to Welland where she would practice at the Annex and later at Welland General Hospital.
It is here in Welland that she would meet and later marry Glenn Way on August 4, 1951. They would enjoy over 60 years of marriage together. They raised their family and became part of the fabric of the Welland community. She was committed to making lasting memories with those she loved, including spending time at the family cottage near Fenelon Falls. Leola and Glenn also enjoyed travelling together, exploring the continent and discovering its natural wonders.
Leola was devoted to her faith and would service as a member of the United Church Women (UCW) Unit 9 of Central United Church, Welland.
Music was one of her favourite pastimes. She enjoyed playing the piano and would strike up a tune in church, for her family and even for the other residents of Lookout Ridge. Leola also loved to sing and would lend her beautiful voice to the melodies of her best-loved hymns. If she wasn’t playing the piano or singing, she could be found knitting, sewing or baking the world’s best pumpkin pie.
Leola was predeceased by her loving husband Glenn in 2012. She was the devoted mother to David (Dawn); Robert (Anne); Christine Jones (Joe Lenahan); Daryl (Beverly). She was extremely proud of her four grandchildren; Leslee (Darren) Crowe, Jenifer and Kevin Way and Hilary (David) Hinds. She was heartbroken over the sudden loss of her fifth granddaughter Ashlee Jones (Nick Bob). She was also blessed with four great grandchildren, Andrew, Elyse, Mollee and Kenzlee.
She was the dear sister of Joy Clugston of Durham and the late Bruce (Maxine) Graham, Muriel (Blair) Ashmore and John Graham. Loving sister in-law to Alan Clugston and Anna Graham. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.
With grateful hearts, the family would like to acknowledge the unfailing care and support from the staff and clergy at Lookout Ridge Retirement Community and Care Partners over the last several years.
Cremation has taken place. A ‘Celebration of Life’ service will be held at Central United Church, 12 Young Street, Welland on Saturday, May 11 at 12p.m. followed by a reception. A private family interment in Fonthill Cemetery will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Central United Church would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences are available at www.cudneyfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leola Marie
Way Graham 1926 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Welland, Province: Ontario