Annette Esther Leis

On August 12, 2022, Annette Esther Leis, after a long and blessed life, passed away into the arms of her dear Lord and Savior. Annette Leis (nee Matthis) was born on November 27, 1923, to Friedrich Matthis and Emilie Matthis (nee Michelson) in Springfield, Ukraine. She graduated high school in 1942 and went on to study medicine at a university in Stuttgart, Germany. Annette’s university studies were interrupted by World War 2. In 1950 the Baptist Church sponsored Annette’s immigration to Canada, and she ended up setting in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. Upon her arrival in Langenburg and knowing little English, she began working as a waitress in the J. Cornelius Hotel where she met her husband to be David Leis on September 10, 1950. They were engaged on 31 July 1951 and married 19 August 1951. Annette and David settled in Langenburg, Saskatchewan where they had 3 children. In 1956 Annette became a Canadian Citizen and a British Subject by Naturalization. While her children were going to school, Annette worked as an expert seamstress and took great care of her family. When the children moved on with their educational pursuits, Annette returned to her academic roots and in 1976 became one of the first certified continuing care aides. She worked at the Langenburg Centennial Care Home from 1976 until her retirement in 1986. Throughout her life Annette was active with the Christ Lutheran Church Ladies Aide and choir. She also had a love of gardening and flowers and a keen interest in history, politics, and world events. Annette was a dedicated servant of the Lord and loved to read the word of God that was powerful, faithful, and loving. Of outmost importance to Annette was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who she spent many hours dotting and imparting her years of wisdom and experience. She was predeceased by her husband David and sisters Martha and Amalia. She will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her three children: Elvira Warner (Bill), Helene, and Walter (Lisa); grandchildren Shannon Merritt (Steven), Kristin Zelyck (Lorne), and Joshua (Eden): and nine great-grandchildren who fondly called her Omi.