Obituaries

Leona Auguste Dora Owaski, died in the early hours of August 25, 2026, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born November 1926, in Texas. She was the fourth of eight children born to Emil and Emma Galow.

Leona was a true Texan. Raised on an 800-acre farm, she grew up and lived the life and culture of rural Texas. She never had fond memories of picking cotton in the heat of an August summer or skip-hop running on a long dirt path to avoid snakes while delivering supper to her grandpa. However, she held dear memories of the love and security of family, having food on the table during the Great Depression, sleeping on the second-floor porch on hot summer nights and sharing a bed with her sisters on cold winter nights. Church was fundamental to family life. Leona was baptized, confirmed, and eventually married all in the same church.

After graduating from High School, Leona was determined to leave the rigors of farm and maid work behind. She eventually got a job as a telephone operator and at the same time met her future husband who was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. They married January of 1947 and immediately headed north to the Canadian border where John had a job waiting for him at the Sault Tannery. Culture shock awaited her both in terms of lifestyle and weather. She continued her work as a telephone operator, found a good German Lutheran church to attend and made a home in the house her husband built for them in 1948 on Chestnut Street. She with her husband eventually returned to live through the winter months in her grandfather’s house on her daddy’s land in Texas. They would return each Spring to the cool climate of Michigan and to family life and home in that original Chestnut Street house.

She loved flower gardens and gardening and cooking and baking. She liked to plan events, especially at church and make sure they were special and done right. She always had to be working on some cleaning project; and Sunday was the only exception to that rule for her.

She had two special memories outside of family. They both dealt with being with friends and seeing new places - her trip to the west coast with four other friends from work and her trip with those same friends to the Smoky Mountains.

Leona wanted to live past her mother’s age of 92. Then as she approached her 100th birthday, she wanted to make it to 100 like her church friends had (Elizabeth, Elaine, Mary Beth). But 99 years old has a special ring to it all its own.

Mrs. Owaski is survived by her son, Glenn and wife Judy Owaski; daughter, Gloria Owaski; granddaughters, Stacey (Josh) Oja, Jessica (Andy) Aikens, and Leanne Owaski; grandson, Shawn Owaski; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Cameron and Kylee (and their father Kevin); Dustin and Kayla; MacKenzie, Andrew and Breigh; Kayden and Riley; great-great grandchildren, Olivia, Nora and Hudson; sister, Ruth Stephenson; and sister in law, Edith Galow.

Leona held each of her nieces and nephews from both Texas and Michigan dear to her heart. She wished for just one more family reunion in Texas but was so grateful for the opportunity to attend the Owaski family reunion in Michigan in July of this year.

Mrs. Owaski was preceded in death by her husband, John Owaski in 2014; granddaughter, Nicole Pavlat in 2021; parents; four brothers; two sisters, as well as sisters-in-law; and brothers-in-law.

One of Leona’s defining attributes was always thinking of and serving others before herself. Those who knew her will fondly remember some of her familiar sayings: “Help yourself.” “Have some more.” “There’s cookies on the counter.” “I made a pie but I’m not sure how good it is.” And, of course, “Sit down, sit down! Did you get enough to eat?”

Leona worked hard throughout her life and earned the love and respect of her family and friends. She tried to remain strong for as long as she could. She was a blessing to those who knew and loved her and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, brave lady.

A special thank you is extended to Leona’s neighbors, Scott Pins and DannyBoy Shea, for always checking up on her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 615 Washington Way, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM with a luncheon a burial to follow.

Leona’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Leona’s name to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 Washington Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.