The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie wish to announce that Sister Leona Spencer transitioned into the heart of God December 23, 2023, after a lengthy illness which she bore serenely and heroically.
Born in Sturgeon Falls on August 6, 1936, Leona was the daughter of Margaret Eileen (Doran) and Thomas Lewis McCarthy (Mac) Spencer. She was predeceased by siblings Keith, Shirley (Bob Graham-predeceased), Maureen (Rudy Larocque-predeceased), Terrance (Bev-predeceased), Doran (Theresa-predeceased), John, Ernest (Joy, predeceased), and Patrick (Kim-predeceased). She is survived by her siblings Bonnie (Fred-predeceased), Christine (Jim Sloma), Melanie (Doug Seal), Max (Cindy-predeceased), Richard (Gloria), and Kevin (Lindy).
Leona entered The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie from Blind River in September 1955. She was a gifted educator at the elementary, secondary, and university levels.
Leona obtained her BA at the University of Ottawa and her MA in mathematics from Queens University in Kingston.
Leona served for five years on the Board of Governors for Laurentian University in Sudbury.
She was principal at Marymount College Sudbury and at Mount St. Joseph College in Sault Ste. Marie. She was well respected and loved by her staff and students. Leona was a gifted mathematics teacher filling in at Queens University while pursuing her own Master of Arts.When she retired from education, Leona took on another challenge. She began working with the Vatican’s Pontifical Mission Society, first as editor of the magazine, Mission Today, and then as the National Director at the national office in Toronto, Ontario, which position she held for ten years. The organization supported 1100 diocesan and foreign missions. She was the first woman to hold this position. This Ministry took her to South America, Africa, and Asia, and to annual meetings with her colleagues at the Vatican, where she became a respected friend and consultant. Her one-time staff members, Patty McKinnon, and Sister Jean Gove, Toronto, became lifelong, loyal friends.
Throughout her life, Leona was devoted to her siblings and their families.
Professionally, Leona will be remembered as a gifted educator and promoter of Catholic missionary work worldwide. She will also be remembered for her commitment to duty and her work ethic.
In her final years, serenity and gratitude was her gift to all those who cared for her.
Sister Leona will be received at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 28, 2023 with a Prayer Vigil at 4:00 pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, Sacred Heart Chapel at 11:00 am on Friday, December 29, 2023.
Expressions of sympathy or donations to the works of the Congregation in memory of Sister Leona may be made at https://csjssm.ca/contact-us
Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
Sister Leona rest in peace.