Leola Laufey (Johnson) Campbell

Leola (Mom, Granny, Great-Granny) was born on March 4, 1932 on the homestead NE 20-5-14.  On February 14, 2022 she left this world to join the love of her life, Currie, who she was married to for 67 years. 

Leola leaves to mourn her passing daughters Currine Campbell, Connie Neilson, and Carol (Randy) Dyck, grandchildren Rae-Lynne (Faron) Coupland, Jennifer (Kevin) Ganderton, Krystle (Justin) Taylor, Riley Neilson, Chelsea (Tyler) Batik, Karlee (Aaron) Smith, Keenan (Nicole) Dyck, great grandchildren Ashley, Addison, Braxton, Easton, Kohen, Kinsley, William and Leon.

Leola was predeceased by her husband Currie, parents Johann and Margaret Johnson, sister Ramona (Wanless), brother Allan and son-in-law Eldon Neilson.

Leola and Currie married on September 8, 1951, and started their journey together.  Leola tried her hand at teaching for one year and quickly knew that was not for her.  After a couple years of farming they headed to Winnipeg where Currie took a welding course.  They travelled from Ontario to Alberta and back, where ever the welding construction jobs took them.  In these years they welcomed their 3 daughters Currine, Constance (Neilson) and Carol (Dyck).  Finally settling into farming again on the Johnson homestead, in 1963, for 26 years.   They proudly received recognition for being a century farm in 1981.

In 1981, Leola was hired as a full time Nurse’s Aide by the Baldur District Hospital.  This was her dream job, taking care of people and working beside the hospital staff, nurses and Dr. Hanks.

Leola was well known for her knitting talents.  She could knit, read a book, join in a conversation and watch tv.  All at the same time.  Icelandic sweaters were her specialty as she was very proud of her Icelandic heritage.  When the request for sweaters dwindled, she would fill her time knitting mitts and donating them to the school children.  She was recognized several times for her knitting donations.

Leola and Currie spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona, in their early retirement years.  Joining the rest of the Baldur snowbirds in potlucks, shuffleboard tournaments and sightseeing.  

In 2001 they moved to Brandon where they volunteered endless hours at the MCC store.  They returned to the Lodge in Baldur in 2012.  Baldur was where Leola always called home and she knew this was where they needed to be for their final years.  Surrounded by community friends who would watch them walk the town, holding hands.

Family was everything to Leola as she would light up with each and every visit.  The goodbye hugs were strong and long to get her through to the next visit.  Leola was lost without her Currie.  When he passed in 2018, she continued to look for him every day.  While it was hard for us to say good bye, we knew it was time to join dad and take care of him again.  Knowing you are together again brings us peace.  We send you off with huge hugs from your girls, your grandchildren and great grandchildren.

‘If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever’ Winnie the Pooh

Thank you to the staff at the Baldur Manor for your endless patience and loving care you gave to mom. Thank you to the community friends who kept her company when family was too far away.  And thank you to Auntie Jean, Barb and Sandy for their many visits from Brandon.  Always with a bouquet of flowers to brighten her day.

Cremation has taken place.  A Family Graveside Service will be held on Saturday June 25, 2022 in the Johnson Cemetery, Baldur, MB with Sharon Hamilton officiating..

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Baldur ‘Volunteer Enrichment Group’ c/o Baldur Manor, Box 128, Baldur MB, R0K 0B0

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