Leona Bernice Bunes (née Batiuk)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leona Bernice Bunes.

Leona passed away from pneumonia as a complication of her condition on Saturday June 6, 2026, at Leduc County Hospital, surrounded by her husband and three children. She was diagnosed with PSP (Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy) in 2020, which causes a gradual deterioration of the nervous system. Leona remained at home as her condition progressed under the care of her husband and children. Despite the struggles of her condition, she remained optimistic and enjoyed being present in her children’s and family’s lives, always watching, listening, and laughing. Leona was always grateful for the friends and family that supported her and continued to see her for who she was and not her condition.

Leona was born in Edmonton, Alberta on June 11, 1967, to Stephanie (Hewko) and Wasyl Batiuk, along with her late eldest brother Larry Bowyzelo, and her two older sisters Belinda Brooks and Doreen Zee. Leona graduated from M.E. Lazerte Highschool in 1984. She worked at AMA as an administrative assistant from 1986 to 1998. Leona married the love of her life, Richard Bunes, on August 26, 1995. Leona was co-owner of Richard’s Shoe Repair from 1995 to 2010.

Her favourite and most rewarding job was being a stay-at-home mom for her three children; Samantha, Nathaniel, and Nicholas. Leona was very passionate and devoted to being present in her children's lives. She was always engaged in her children's sports, from tee-ball to high school volleyball; she was there to drive to each practice and watch every game. Similarly, she was very active in her children's school such as being involved in the parent-teacher association, the Ukrainian Bilingual Language Association, and volunteering for every field trip. Leona was famous for keeping all the students respectful and behaved with her stern look, the “Pani Bunes Face”.

She also valued her Ukrainian heritage and made sure to pass on traditions to her children like making Ukrainian easter eggs (Pysanky) and traditional food dishes. Leona was also very involved in her children's Ukrainian dance careers from the first pair of slippers and toe-heel-one-two-three to semi-professional ensemble shows.

Some of Leona’s favourite pastimes and hobbies were watching cooking shows, hockey, and racing. She also loved solving sudokus, camping, riding motorcycles with her husband and kids, and spending time with family and friends at Pigeon Lake.

Leona was an amazing and caring mother who always did what was best for her children. She was also an admirable role model of what a loving and healthy relationship looks like when it came to her marriage with her husband Richard. Many attest to Leona and Richards' marriage as a prime example of true love. After almost 31 years of marriage, their attention and passion for each other never dwindled; for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health.

Leona was a humble, frugal, selfless, caring, and genuine person who cared simply about her family and friends and made the best out of every situation. Her infectious laugh and smile, mostly due to her husband making her laugh, and all the selfless ways she helped her loved ones will be greatly missed. She is no longer dealing with any of the pain and struggle of this earthly life and is now smiling down upon us all. We will never forget her, and we will always carry the invaluable life lessons she left behind with us.

According to Leona’s wishes, she will be cremated and no public memorial will be held. There will be a small private family service.