A long life lived with grace and dignity ended May 8, 2011 at St. Anthony’s, Providence Place. Leita Mary Engelhardt (Staples) was born November 1, 1916 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She was the tenth of twelve children born to Christine and James Staples, pioneers who settled in the Tuxford District. Leita is the last surviving of the Staples siblings. Leita attended Blofield School, Peacock Institute and graduated from Indian Head School where she was living with her oldest sister Florence. Leita served in RCAF from February 25, 1942 until January 4, 1945. It was during this time that she met and married Harold Hanson. Following the war, they moved to Winnipeg and had four children. Leita returned to Moose Jaw in 1950 to raise her four children. For many years she worked at Patterson Motors as a bookkeeper, retiring in 1981. She met and married Norm Engelhardt in 1969. Together, they spent many happy years travelling in their camper, gardening, gourmet cooking and creating beautiful gifts for their family. Mom made beautiful afghans for her children and grandchildren and Norm made amazing toys and furniture with his wood lathe. They both became involved with the Cosmo Club playing cards, shuffleboard and singing with the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers. Sadly, Norm passed away in 1994. Leita is survived by her children: Ron (Heather) Hanson – Sidney, N.S., Alan (Betty-Ann) Hanson – Moose Jaw, Cliff Hanson (Jean Kerr) – Moose Jaw and Sharon (Jack) Ireland – Moose Jaw; grandchildren: Kristy (Doug) Campbell – Asquith, Sask., Shayne (Loralee) Ireland – Toronto, Rhonda (Sheldon) MacNeil – Toronto, Laurie (Tony) MacKinnon – Regina, Erin (Cyril) Roach – Halifax, N.S., Heather Hanson – Toronto, Suzanne (Vince) Shivak – Saskatoon, Andrew (Mellisa Pino) Hanson – Regina, Cody (Lindsay) Hanson – Moose Jaw and Sammy and Mickey Kerr – also of Moose Jaw; great-grandchildren: Jared Campbell, Madisen Ireland, Sarah MacKinnon and Laughlin Roach, Xander Shivak, Ella-Jo MacNeil and Ava-Lee Hanson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Muriel Staples and many nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held on May 12, 2011. Memorialization will take place at Prairie Memorial Columbarium. For those so wishing, memorial donations may be made to Providence Place, 100 – 2nd Ave. N.E., Moose Jaw, S6H 1B8. In living memory of Leita, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Dayna Smith-Short Funeral Director