Susana Leppky (nee Hiebert)
Obituary
Susana Leppky (nee Hiebert) passed away peacefully on December 26th, with family by her side just three days shy of her 95th birthday. Susie loved Christmas and family and we speculate that she wanted us all together with her for this one last Boxing Day.
Susie was born December 29, 1922 in Niverville, Manitoba. She is the daughter of David H. & Margaretha Hiebert.
She was predeceased by her husband Peter H. Leppky in 1992, son Kenneth Leppky in 2000, granddaughters Leslie Leppky in 1977, Jennifer Pearson in 1985, and great-great-grandchild AJ in 2011.
Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Daughter-in-law Roberta (Ken Leppky deceased) (Ray) Wiebe; Travis (Jay-Lynne) Leppky, Kendra, Katie, Cameron; Trent (Sharmila Sukhan) Leppky, Sahana, Sabrina.
Son James (Barbara) Leppky; Patricia (Ron) Wiebe, Ryan (Kat Fontaine), Justin; Trevor (Annalie Kehler) Leppky, Chandra (Ryan) Kehler-Shuera, Hudson, Elliana, Genessa (Andy) Toews, Jack; Jeffrey (Laurie North) Leppky, Anna, Cole, William.
Son Murray (Grace) Leppky; Raenel Leppky, Nathan; Rebecca (Wade) Frick , Eli, Miles.
Daughter Debra (Clayton) Pearson; Keith (Teagan Smith) Pearson, Izzy, Ian; Andrew Pearson.
As well as the 81 nieces, nephews and their families that she strived to stay close to.
Susie was the last of the Leppky siblings and in-laws. The only remaining member of the Hiebert family is her brother Ben and wife Anna.
Despite her dementia, mom remembered to the end, her life as a farm girl and wife. Susie often referred to herself as being born and raised on a farm, as being married to a farmer, and as one who raised her family on a farm. These things completed her identity. She was extremely proud of being the daughter who helped her father outside with the animals and in the blacksmith shop. After her marriage, she worked side by side with the love of her life on the family farm in the early years, then as Property Managers and caretakers in the city. They were true partners in all that they did. Mom and Dad curled together in a mixed league and in bonspiels, and they brought home many trophies and prizes.
Mom was not afraid of a challenge and never sat still; driving combines, herding animals, raising children, taking care of her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and volunteering for the CNIB. She even bought one of the first Atari computers and taught herself how to use it. She had a great passion for family, curling, flowers and dancing.
As she gradually lost her eyesight over the years and as dementia pushed her further back in time, Mom maintained her grace and humor. Though legally blind many people did not know the extent of her vision loss. The staff at the PCH would comment that when they entered her room she would always ask “What can I do for you”?
I found a poem written in her hand writing. I have no idea if she wrote it or copied it, but it was in her papers for years. I think it was her guide for life.
We cannot change the past
but we can gather up
its lessons and move on,
stronger and wiser.
We cannot control the future
but we can send our dreams
ahead of us
to help prepare.
We can live each moment
heart and soul
and cherish this day’s
greatest gift
the gift of now.
May peace with the past
and faith
in the future
gently guide you
through each precious moment of today.
The memorial service for Susana will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. An ash interment will take place at a later date.
