Lenore Angela (Straus) Purkhart

Purkhart, Lenore Angela (nee Straus) – it is with great sorrow that we announce Lenore’s passing, following a brief illness, in her 90th year. Born February 4, 1929 in Alsace, Ontario, Lenore passed away peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, on April 12, 2018, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Lenore is survived by her beloved husband Fred Purkhart. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage on April 16th. Lenore is survived by her loving and devoted children: Netta Lamothe (Phil), Dee Dee Woodruff (Bill), David Purkhart, Christine MacDonell (Christopher), Paula Bertrand (Ron), Jan Purkhart, and Jeff Purkhart (Allison), and her sisters-in-law Gabrielle Straus and Irene Purkhart.

Lenore was predeceased by her cherished daughter Mary Whitwell (Ken), her parents Antonette Kahnert and Adam Straus, brothers Carl Merger and Olaf Straus and sisters Marie Lethbridge, Edna Hurrell, Dolores Hamilton and Rita Stillar. Lenore will be sadly missed by her 14 grandchildren: Sean, Tania, Erin, Amy, Ashleigh, Nicholas, Darren, Kyle, Daniel, Ryan, Travis, Nathan, Bradley, and Michael. Lenore will be fondly remembered by her 15 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends.

After 25 years of dedicated service, Lenore retired from Bell Canada and turned to more leisurely pursuits. She was president of Bell Pioneers for one term. She enjoyed golfing, playing darts, and playing cards, especially “500.” Lenore was an accomplished artist, and her paintings, predominantly of the natural world, abound in her children’s homes. She was a talented seamstress and was renowned for her pastry. She loved gardening and took great joy in attracting and observing her precious hummingbirds, which she lovingly called “hummers.” Her foremost joy, however, came from spending time with her sizeable and loving family.

A visitation will be held at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd, on Wednesday April 18th from 7 until 9 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church on Thursday April 19th at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society (Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts) in Lenore’s memory, will be gratefully acknowledged by her family.