Obituary of Avona Margaret Savage

Avona Savage (nee Leonhardt) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully on June 26, 2021 with family at her side at the age of 89. She is survived by her five children, Colin (Alison), Carol Ann (Raymond), Ian, Timothy, and Christine (Ian), and granddaughter Alicia. Also left to mourn her loss are her sister Dorothy (Paul), and brother Neil (Sandra) and their children, Tracy (Brad) and Shaun (Tracy). She was recently predeceased by her husband Gerald (Gerry).

Avona was born and raised on the family farm near Theodore, Saskatchewan, later moving to Regina to work, where she met Gerry over the proverbial but soon regular cup of coffee. They married and eventually moved to Saskatoon where she worked at the University of Saskatchewan for over 20 years, primarily as executive assistant to the head of the Department of Music. Her administrative and organizational skills always ensured annual events such as UniFest in the fall and the ongoing university classical concert series ran smoothly. Small but mighty, those in the know would say she ensured the show “ went on”. She was highly appreciated by many students, faculty and concert goers over the years for her devotion and dedication to detail. She also attended community college at night to learn international cuisine and eventually retired in 1991 to focus on an amazing backyard vegetable garden, which added genuine flavour to the gourmet meals she created for her grateful family. She also enjoyed many outdoor photography expeditions across Saskatchewan with Gerry. Avona loved solving crossword puzzles, a nice glass of wine and anything blue!

Avona was grateful for the compassionate care of Village Rose Home Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital 6th floor medicine and therapy staff, and the Hospice at Glengarda. Her family also experienced the loving support of those caregivers and express their heartfelt thanks.

A private funeral mass will be held on June 30, 2021​​​​​​​ at St. Augustine Catholic Church. The family will arrange a memorial event in the future when it is more suitable for a wider circle of family and friends to gather to celebrate Avona's life.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Hospice at Glengarda, Saskatoon.