Leona Helen (St. Jean) Vallance

Leona Helen Vallance (nee St. John/St. Jean)
January 25th, 1947 – November 14th, 2025

With profound love and deep sadness, we share the passing of Leona Helen Vallance, who left this world as gently as she lived in it. Born on January 25th, 1947, in Toronto, Ontario, Leona brought warmth, kindness, and unwavering compassion to everyone blessed to know her.

Leona was deeply connected to her family, cherishing her relationships with her siblings—Louise, Marlene, and Moe, whom she remained close with her entire life. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Irene and Arthur St. John, her sisters Claire and Margaret, and her nephew Shane, whose memories remained close to her heart.

On June 22nd, 1968, Leona married the love of her life, Robert, beginning a partnership built on affection, laughter, and a steadfast devotion that never wavered. Together, they welcomed their cherished daughter Kimberly on February 21st, 1975. Leona embraced motherhood with her whole heart, choosing to become a homemaker so she could give Kimmy the most loving, nurturing childhood possible—a choice she carried with pride and tenderness.

Leona began her working life working with Bishop Marrocco, where she formed lasting friendships and built a foundation of service that would carry throughout her life. Her generosity of spirit extended far beyond her home; she volunteered in numerous places over the years, always finding time for her faith, family, and friends. Known for saying, “It doesn’t hurt to be kind,” Leona lived by these words every single day, quietly and consistently making the world gentler for others.

Following the marriage of her daughter Kim to Kevin Vaughan, her greatest joy came with the arrival of her grandchildren—Gabe, Alex, Addison, and Grace. They were the lights of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them: summers at the lake, warm days in Florida, and countless family holidays filled with laughter, storytelling, and love. Her special letters and cards, always sealed with her trademark stickers and heartfelt words, will be cherished forever.

Leona was also a beloved Aunty Leona to many nieces, nephews, and their children, each of whom held a special place in her generous heart. Her passions were simple yet deeply meaningful—helping others, tending to her gardens, baking her famous butter tarts, shortbread cookies, and banana muffins, and hunting for treasures at Vinnie’s. She found joy in collecting antique china and crystal pieces, building beautiful collections that reflected her appreciation for history, beauty, and the stories objects can hold.

To know Leona was to know kindness, patience, and a gentle strength that made everyone feel seen and loved. Her legacy of compassion lives on in those she guided, nourished, and held close.

As one of her favourite quotes from Winnie the Pooh reminds us:
“If there comes a time when we cannot be together, keep me in your heart and I will stay there forever.”

Leona will be forever held in the hearts of her husband Robert, her daughter Kim and son-in-law Kevin, her grandchildren, her extended family, and the many friends whose lives she touched with her quiet grace.

She will be missed beyond measure—and remembered with deep, enduring love.

Funeral Arrangements – Thursday November 20th, 2025

St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, 513 Ennis Rd, Ennismore, ON K0L 1T0

Visitation 1:00-2:00 p.m

Funeral Mass 2:00 p.m followed by Interment in the St. Martin’s Cemetery

Celebration of Life and Luncheon to follow in the Church Hall

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Canadian Cancer Society Brain Tumor Research