Obituary of Leona Theresa Rippl

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leona Theresa Rippl on October 14th, 2023. Leona was predeceased by her husband Franz Rippl; parents Jacob and Mary Mann; siblings John (infancy), Leonard, Mary, Gunda, Roman, Martin, Albert, and Lenore.  

Leona was born on March 2nd, 1933 in Viscount, Saskatchewan and was the second youngest of nine children raised on the Mann family farm. She attended grade school at the Auckland School not far from the homestead and would eventually move to Saskatoon to attend City Park Collegiate. Leona would go on to attend teachers college along with her sister Lenore, and both would get their first teaching position at Notre Dame in North Battleford, Sk. It is here she would meet the love of her life, Franz. The two were married on July 23rd, 1966.  

Leona loved teaching and enjoyed a long and successful teaching career within the Edmonton Catholic School Division. After the passing of her husband in November of 1992, Leona would leave Edmonton and teaching to move back to the family farm to live with her sister Mary. 

Leona will be remembered for her strong Catholic faith and in particular, her devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary and the Rosary, which she prayed daily. She was kind, gentle and shared a special bond with many of her nieces and nephews. It is her great love for her family that will always be remembered. 

Family, friends, and those who knew Leona are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on October 20th, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Alphonse Roman Catholic Church (103 Elgin St. Viscount, SK). Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Gerard Cooper, and Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. John's Roman Catholic Cemetery following mass.