Leora Callele
Of: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Formerly Of: Watson, Saskatchewan
Passed Away On: Friday, October 20, 2023
Age: 87 Years
A Private Service will be held at a later date.
Leora Callele
February 13, 1936 – October 20, 2023
The death of Leora (nee Held) Callele of Saskatoon, SK, occurred at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, on Friday, October 20, 2023. She was 87 years of age. Leora was born in Watson, SK, on February 13, 1936, to Theodore and Emma (nee Mapes) Held. She attended Bright Spot School and then high school at Saint Ursula Academy in Bruno. Upon graduating, Leora spent a year in the College of Education before taking time off for a once-in- a-lifetime five-month trip touring Europe, where she visited all the countries that were not behind the lron Curtain except Switzerland. She met John Callele, from Dana, SK, on November 17, 1957, at a wedding where they were the best man and maid of honor. They fell in love and were married in Calgary, AB, on August 20, 1958. Leora received her Teacher's Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan and taught school in Watson, Calgary and LeRoy. She proudly managed to finish her Bachelor of Education degree in 1983 while carrying on a full-time teaching job, helping around the farm, and raising four active boys.
Leora was a teacher, a farmer, a historian and a community leader. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and auntie to many. Leora especially loved spending time with family and when her grandchildren came out to visit during their summer vacations. She had many hobbies including cross stich, knitting and working on genealogy. Leora loved playing cards and board games with family and her many friends. Both John and Leora enjoyed nature and the outdoors. In the summer months, you could often find them spending time fishing on nearby lakes. Leora was very active in the community and with the New Horizons Club in Watson. She worked with government grant programs for the benefit of the Club and liked to organize the bridge tournaments that brought people from all around the province to the community she loved. Leora was a great cook, she loved her garden, and she generously shared her culinary creations and her produce with family and friends. Her fermented dill pickles are fondly remembered by all who shared in her generosity. We recall that she never encountered a treat that was too sweet.
Leora was predeceased by her parents, Theodore “Ted” and Emma (nee Mapes) Held; her infant sister, Norma Jean; her brother, Victor; her husband; John Callele; her daughters-in-law, Michelle (David) and Lynn (Brian). She is survived by her four sons: David (Rana), Brian (Lora), Barry (Patty) and Rod (Geraldine); her five grandchildren: Yasmin, Benjamin, Elyssa, Elena and Raquel; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the care team at Samaritan Place senior's residence, the physiotherapy team at Nomad Physiotherapy, the helping hands at Home Instead, as well as the medical team at St. Paul's Hospital. The family would like to express their gratitude to David for his unending devotion to Mom's care over recent years.
At Leora's request there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family will gather for interment at Watson Cemetery next spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mom's memory be made to either the Watson Public Cemetery Fund or the New Horizons Club (mailing address for both: Town of Watson, P.O. Box 276, Watson, SK, S0K 4V0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)