Linda Louise Leonhart (nee Tenszen)
Linda Leonhart was a loving daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunty, and grandmother. She passed away unexpectedly on April 12, 2025, at age of 70 years. More than anything, Linda will be remembered for how deeply she cared—for her family, her friends, and pretty much anyone lucky enough to cross her path.
Linda was born on May 18, 1954, in Portage la Prairie to Victor and Louise Tenszen. She grew up surrounded by neighbourhood friends, did well in school, and got involved in everything she could - especially Girl Guides. She earned Gold Cord Status and was one of just 15 Guides chosen from across Canada to attend the International Camping Jamboree in Switzerland. That trip, which also included traveling through Europe, meant a lot to her. She loved to talk about the adventures she had along the way. It was during that time she also met family in England, including her cousin Sonja, who remained an important part of her life for over 55 years.
In 1971, after finishing Grade 11, Linda took a summer lifeguarding job at the MDC. That’s where she met Bill Leonhart, who had just started working there too. They ended up sharing a coffee on a bench in Island Park—just the two of them—and that simple moment turned into something much bigger.
Linda started nursing school that fall at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. She and Bill got engaged in December 1973, and by August 1974, she’d graduated with the General Proficiency Award, passed her national exams, and started working as a registered nurse in the ICU at the Grace. A month later, on September 14, 1974, Linda and Bill were married at Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie.
Family was everything to Linda. She continued nursing while Bill finished school, then they spent a short time in Moose Jaw before settling back in Portage. Linda began teaching at the MDC School of Nursing, but after a couple of years, she shifted her focus to raising their two boys full-time. For the next 24 years, she poured her energy into creating a loving, welcoming home. She juggled schedules, helped at school, got involved in church, and somehow still made time for friends and neighbours. Her home was the kind of place where people felt safe, cared for, and always welcome.
In 2006, Linda and Bill moved to Winnipeg for his work, and there, she found another outlet for her love of beauty and creativity—working in flower shops. She was in her element, surrounded by colour and life. When they moved back to Portage in 2018, she continued to pour love into her home and garden.
Linda had an incredible eye for beauty. In recent years, it became one of her great joys—arranging flowers, curating art, decorating spaces. But more than that, she had a way of making people feel truly seen. Whether it was a deep conversation or just a passing check-in, she paid attention to what people said and how they were really doing. That was her way of loving—through care, beauty, and presence.
Linda leaves behind her loving husband, Bill Leonhart, her sons Michael Leonhart (Alison Tuck) and Mark Leonhart (Stephanie Leonhart), and her grandchildren: Ewan, Livia, Alara, Finnley, and Avery—each of whom she loved deeply and was incredibly proud of.
A funeral service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Seating capacity may be limited - we appreciate your consideration. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery for family and close friends after the service with reception at the Chapel afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to organizations of your choice.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.