Leona Anne (Skaalrud) Washkowsky

A recording of the Service is available
 to view from Monday, July 13 - Monday July 27, 2026
The link to view is below the obituary.

It is with hearts full of gratitude and deep love that we celebrate the life of our beautiful mother, Leona Anne Washkowsky, who was reunited with her loved ones on July 4, 2026, at the age of 83.

Leona was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, on September 16, 1942, to Orvin and Cecelia Skaalrud. She attended school in Humboldt before graduating from   St. Ursuline Academy in Bruno.  On April 22, 1961, she married Raymond Washkowsky and built a life, and a home defined by warmth, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

As a mother, Leona was our greatest confidante and the heart of our home. She taught us by example the importance of family, demonstrated through the close    relationships she shared with her own parents and siblings. No matter what life brought, we always knew mom was there for us. She took immense pride in her grandchildren and loved them fiercely. They all knew that if everyone else said no, grandma would likely say yes. Without question, Leona was the matriarch of our family. Despite some significant trials and challenges she faced throughout her life, she always stood firm and made sure those around her felt loved, supported, protected and cared for.

Beyond her family, Leona was known for her wonderful sense of humour, exceptional baking and cooking, and her ability to be a loyal and caring friend. She had a remarkable gift for making those around her feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether she was hosting Sunday dinners or simply sharing a cup of coffee and a laugh, she brough warmth and light into the lives of those around her. Family and friends just knew her door was always open. In the summer, she spent many hours gardening and harvesting produce for canning and freezing for her family and she often had friends and family asking for her recipes. She enjoyed many evenings playing bingo with friends, loved completing crossword puzzles, and faithfully read the newspaper from front to back so she could stay informed on current events and politics. She also  dedicated many years of service to the Humboldt Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

In 2015, Leona was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She moved into St. Mary’s Villa in January 2016, where she remained until her passing. A simple “thank you” will never be enough to express our gratitude for the exceptional care she received there. The caregivers often told us how much they truly loved caring for her, and for that we will be forever grateful. As much as this disease took from her, we have always taken comfort in knowing it also spared her from fully experiencing some of the profound losses that would have been incredibly difficult for her to bear.

Leona is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rhonda Been (Martin) and Lori Washkowsky-Lucyk (Brent); her six grandchildren, Ryan Washkowsky (Tammy) of Humboldt, Matthew Washkowsky of Humboldt, Emily Lucyk of Saskatoon, Alexander Washkowsky (Kacy Campbell) of Fort Qu’Appelle, Erin April (Noah) of North Battleford and Ava Washkowsky of North Battleford and her three great-grandchildren, Kadynce Washkowsky, Katherine Washkowsky, and Kasey Washkowsky, all of Humboldt.

She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Raymond Washkowsky; her son Russell Washkowsky; and her grandson Mitchell Washkowsky. We take great   comfort in knowing there was a joyous reunion when Leona was called home.

Although our hearts are heavy, we are deeply grateful for the life she lived and the examples she set. She instilled in us the values of resilience, compassion, generosity, and the importance of friendship. Her legacy of love will continue to guide us, and she will be forever loved, missed and remembered.

A Celebration of Life was held for Leona on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium, led by Funeral Celebrant Debbie Sarauer.  Interment followed at the St. Augustine Cemetery Columbarium.  Memorial donations in Leona's memory may be made to the St. Mary's Villa Foundation: New Building Fund.  

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,

And each time you think of me, alI know you'll miss me too,

So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we're apart,

For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.