Leona Florence Biggar

With love we share that Leona Florence Biggar (nee McAtamney) passed away peacefully in Cochrane, Alberta with family by her side on January 6, 2024 at the age of 88.  

Leona was born on January 8, 1935 in Eastend Saskatchewan.  As a young girl she enjoyed home economics and drama classes at school and her time as an Explorer and a Canadian Girl in Training (CGIT) with the United Church.  Later in life as a member of the United Church she taught Sunday school and was a member of the United Church Women (UCW).

As a young adult, Leona moved to Lethbridge to pursue a career in finance where she met her future husband and R.C.M.P. member William (Bill) Biggar on a blind date.  They were married in Lethbridge in 1957 and her adventure as an R.C.M.P. wife began.  During that time, they had three daughters while living in various R.C.M.P. detachments across Alberta.  In 1972, they moved into their own home in Cochrane where they settled for the remainder of their lives together.

In 2013, Leona was recognized by the R.C.M.P. Veterans Association with a “Second Man Award” which was given to R.C.M.P. wives who performed volunteer services to assist their husbands with their duties while living in detachments.

Together over the years Leona and Bill enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, music and dancing, hosting dinners and barbecues and camping with friends and family, curling, wine making and companionship with their beloved dogs.  As members of the Royal Canadian Legion, they valued their friendships and volunteer opportunities.  

Leona was a wonderful seamstress who took pleasure in creating many of her girls clothing.   Her meals, baking and warm hospitality were shared by many.

Leona finished her employment years at the Alberta Liquor Commission store in Cochrane where she embraced her connection with community.  She was a dedicated, hard-working individual who always made people feel welcome.

Leona is survived by her daughters Brenda Dennis (James Dennis) and Kerrie Meunier; grandchildren Mike Dennis (Kathleen Dennis), Charlotte Flowers (Brendan Flowers), Jessica Lemmon, Sarah Lemmon; great grandchildren Lucas and Brielle Dennis, and Grace Flowers; her brother Edward McAtamney (Carol Haas); and many other loving relatives.

She is predeceased by her parents Patrick and Elizabeth McAtamney, sister Kathleen Philips, husband William Biggar and daughter Cindy Biggar.

In honouring Leona’s wishes there will be no funeral.  She would like you to remember her for her love of family, friends, and community.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #15 in Cochrane Alberta.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated care team at Hawthorne Cochrane where Leona resided in her final 4 years of life for their outstanding compassionate and professional care.