LEIA – Adella Denise
September 14, 1929 – March 16, 2011

It is with great sadness that the family of Adella Denise Leia announces her passing at the age of 81 years. Adella was born in Steep Creek, SK, and grew up on the family homestead. After the untimely death of her mother, Adella, at the age of 14, took on the role of surrogate mother to her 5 younger siblings. In later years she would say she was mother to 2 families with her younger siblings being the first. She deeply cherished the memories of this time and the strong lasting bonds it produced. On leaving the farm, Adella pursued her dream of being a teacher. On obtaining her teaching certificate she began her career in small rural schools often in challenging conditions. She married in 1954 and had her first child in 1955. So began the next stage of her life which would include another 7 children, over 20 years of full time teaching and obtaining 2 university degrees. She drew comfort and strength from her deep faith. She was active in the Polish Parish where she had many friends and touched many lives. She was a remarkable woman who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Adella is survived by 8 children Maureen Leia-Stephen, Greg (Sandy) Leia, Cheryl Leia (Jeff Plato), Delores Leia, Donna (John) Bergsten, Annette (Joseph) Holash, Allan Leia and Reshelle Leia; 16 grandchildren Alex, Petra, Jamie, Michaela, Madison, John, Garret, Ethan, Jarad, Sawyer, Cailin, Kiera, Holly, Jacob, Maxwell and Ryan; her sisters Helen Pask, Vivian (Clarence) Kurtenbach, Lucy (Peter) Wooding; her brothers Ted (Mary) Siwak, Edward (Rose) Siwak, Bronald Siwak and Lawrence (Millie) Siwak. She was predeceased by her husband John Leia; and her parents Michael and Anna Siwak. Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Our Lady of Czestochowa, 160 – 12th Street East, Prince Albert, SK with celebrant Reverend Father Janusz Bizewski. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 21, 2011 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 260 – 25th Street East, Prince Albert SK with celebrant Reverend Father Janusz Bizewski. Interment will be held at South Hill Cemetery. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa, 160 – 12th Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 1B6. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director.