Leone passed away peacefully at the Exeter Villa on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the age of 89. Loving mother of Deb and Hi Thompson, Wayne and Debbie Riddell, Donna and Danny Overholt, Heather Riddell, and Brenda Riddell. Proud Grandma of Scott (Stephanie), Terri (Scott); Jason (Sarah), Jaci (Jeff); Craig (Amanda), Kevin (Amber), Amber (Jon); Kendra (Steve), Lea (Marty), Shayne (Janelle); and Cody. Adored GG of 23 great grandchildren. Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Alice (Jones) Bryan, her sister Lois Ford (Lorne), Jack Riddell, great grandson Hudson Mudge, and her cherished companion Cookie.
Leone found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved playing bridge with friends, and her hands were rarely still, whether she was crocheting, knitting, or quilting something made with care and love. Above all, Leone treasured time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her so much pride and happiness. She also enjoyed travelling and was always grateful for the chance to see new places and make special memories along the way.
A celebration of Leone’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Saturday, April 11th from 2 – 4 PM with words of remembrance at 2:30 PM. A private family interment will be held at St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
Stream the words of remembrance live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth or OneCare would be appreciated by the family.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thank you to the staff at the Exeter Villa for their care and compassion shown to Leone and her family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Janet Ashworth
What a pleasure getting to know Leone and helping with her care at home . My condolences to you all.
Hi Donna 👋
Karn Durdin
Dear Ford-Riddell family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Leone your Mom. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Karn Durdin and Don Thornton
Julianne Varley
Through your photo gallery it is evident that your mom lived a rich life through your wonderful family. So many wonderful memories captured that you can reflect upon again and again. Holding you close in my heart.
Mark Heimrich
Deb, Wayne, Donna, Heather, Brenda & families;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your dear Mom and grandmother. May she rest in peace. My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, wishes to pass on her sympathy at this time as well.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer, and Marilyn Heimrich
Ray Webb
You are all in our thoughts and prayers Ray and Joan Webb and Family
Lillus Riddell
Wayne, Debbie, Donna, Heather and Brenda.
We were so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Lillus Riddell and Fred Lewis
Sandy Holloway
Leone’s Family – Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Leone was a dear friend and will be missed by all who knew her.
We worked together at the Royal Bank Regional Office in Kitchener and I have great memories of her!! For years we “Golden Girls” Brenda, Margaret, Mary, Leone & myself would get together and reminisce about the “good old days” – they certainly were. RIP my Friend,
Carolyn Woodburn
Scott ,Terri, Ryan and Logan .We would like to offer you our sincere condolences on the death of your Mother, Mother-in-law and grandmother. You will miss her. Carolyn
Karen House
Donna, Danny and the entire Families
Thinking of you all ❤️ Karen and Ed
Bill &Joanne Hodge
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Kim Mckay
Heather and Family
I’m sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope your precious memories help you to get through this very sad time.
Dianne De Wys
Wayne, Deb and family. My sincere sympathy for the loss of your Mom. By the photos, she looked like a loving Grandma and a special lady. Cherish your memories.
Laurie and Phil Erb
Dear Deb, Wayne, Donna, Heather, Brenda and Families,
We both have fond memories of your mom, grandma and great grandma. Just the other day, I came across a recipe I asked Leone for after having dinner at your home during our high school years. Sending love, hugs and prayers to all of you!
❤️
Karen
To all of Leona’s family
We are sad to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time Cherish all the memories.
Karen and Barry Overholt
Ivan and Brenda Hern
Wayne & Deb, Deb & Hi, Donna & Dan, Heather and Brenda and families – we offer our condolences in the loss of your mom. She was a special lady – thinking of you ❤️
Pam Bedour
Dear Heather, Donna, Brenda, Deb, Wayne and family,
I’m so sorry – your mom was a lovely, kind woman who knew just what to do when two 11 year old girls went for a pond swim in March. (I still remember how wonderful that hot bath and electric blanket felt)
Sending much love and my deepest sympathy to you all.
Jeremy Becker
Sincere Condolences to the Family.
Shelley & Rod Joiner
Brenda, Heather and the rest of the Riddell family, our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother. I only met Leone once but felt I got to know her through my close friendship with Brenda over the last 7 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you mourn her loss and celebrate her life.
Doug & Betty Lynn Eckel
Donna, Dan and all the Riddell family – We send our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom. Cherish all of your wonderful memories and hold them close. Thinking of you all. ♥
Steve, Audrey, Lucas, Laura, Brianne & Zach
Donna & Danny
Our sincere condolences from our family to you and your family on the loss of such a remarkable woman your mother, grandmother, GG and your best friend. We were honoured to have known Leone and spent many occasions with this special woman. Your mother’s warm smile and laughter will never be forgotten. Sending our love and heartfelt sympathies to all of you. ❤️
Sending our condolences to the extended family of Leone Ford-Riddell, wishing for peace and comfort in the days to follow.
Mary Hulley
Deb, Donna, Heather and all the Riddell families…please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. May the memories you share give you comfort during these difficult times.
Linda Wuerth
To Leone’s family. So sorry to hear about your mom. You have our Deepest sympathy
Sharon McNeilly
Sending sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. I worked with your Mom when we first moved to Exeter and then we connected again when she moved into the Snider subdivision and played shuffleboard.
I know the last few years have been difficult to watch but when she was well I found her to be kind, sincere and lots of fun. I can’t remember whether it was Heather or Brenda that babysat for me a few times. I know that all of you have wonderful memories that will help you through these difficult days.
Dianne Waun
Leone was a wonderful neighbour and we had lots of fun social times on Somerset Street. I will miss seeing her at the Villa when we play our ukuleles there. She was blessed with a beautiful large family and I’m jealous of her having so many grandchildren. She was very proud of all of you.
Rest easy, Leone!
Rochelle Gibbings & family
Thinking of you all during this sad time.
Lesley and John Jeffrey
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom, grandma and GG. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Janet Brown
Our deepest sympathies.
She was such a great lady.
Tony /Marlene Bedard.
To all of Leone’s family… We are saddened to see you have lost your loved one. We have many good, fun time memories of your Mom during the Bowling years!!! Hold tight to your memories !!
George and Elaine Keller
Our deepest sympathy to the Riddell family. Leone was a wonderful person. I enjoyed getting to know her while playing Bridge.
Richard and Wendy Jennison
Very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing , our deepest condolences.
Rich and Wendy
Tammy Preszcator
I want to express my condolences to Donna , Heather and all the rest of their siblings and families , at the passing of their Mom. I got to know Leone while my Mom was in the Villa and also when I started working there part time. She had some terrific one liners and I never left the Villa without her bringing a smile to my face at least once in a day. She would be one to let you know if you missed a spot when you were scrubbing the dining room floor, as she was generally in there to keep you company while you worked. Lol I hope you all will be able to lean on each other during this difficult time. Keeping you all in my heart. Hugs, Tam
Dick and Barb Rau
Dear Donna, Dan and Family
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love Aunt Barb & Uncle Dick ❤️
Lois McCallum
Heather
My condolences to you and your family. So very sorry for your loss.
Hugs Lois
Mark Lewis and Susan Mills
Our deepest condolences to Hiram and Deb, Terri & Scott and the entire family.
Our thoughts are with you.
Cherish every memory.
Mark & Susan
Dianne Dietrich
Heather, and the Riddell family,
My condolences on the passing of your mother, thinking of you in this time of sorrow,
Dianne Dietrich
Cathy Batten
To Leone’s Family
My sincere condolences to each of you at this difficult time with the passing of your Mom. She always had a smile and a warm hello when our paths crossed. Thinking of you all and sending hugs. 💐
Ken & Jo Ann
Dan, Donna and family,
Sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. May your many memories bring you comfort.
Barry & Melonie Miller
Deb, Hy & the Riddell family
So sorry to hear about your mom. A mom is often the heart of the family..
Keep those memories near 💕
Keith and Joyce Thomson
To all of Leone’s family. Our deepest sympathy on her passing. She is one of the last of her generation of the Jones family decendants . May she rest in peace. Thinking of you at this time of sorrow.
Dennis and Cindy Pym
Deb (Hi) and Heather
Our condolences on the loss of your mother
Katharina Coolman
Sorry to hear of Leone’s passing.
Sincere sympathy to Heather, Donna and all of Leone’s family.
Kathy Coolman
Janet Patterson
Dear Brenda & Heather
We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother.
Thinking of you and all of your Family at this difficult time.
Sincere Sympathy,
Keith & Janet Patterson
Mike & Deb Hunter
To Leone’s family,
Please accept our sympathies. Know that we are thinking of you at this sad time.
Dave and Brenda Palsa
Heather – Dave and I send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother 💕
Glenn & Sue Rollings
Deb, Hi, Scott, Terri and families. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Mom, Grandma and GG. Memories will keep her close. Hugs. Glenn & Sue, Jeff & Diana, Laura & Jeff and family
Lori & Brent Clarke
Deepest sympathy to Leona’s family. A Mother’s love lasts long after she is gone. May loving memories make you smile during this difficult time.
Terry Dubuque
Heather, I’m very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Terry Dubuque
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family
Dear: Deb (Hi), Wayne (Debbie), Donna (Danny), Heather, & Brenda
Grandchildren / Great-Grandchildren / Ford-Riddell Extended Family / Friends . . .
❤️ “A mother’s Love is always with her children. Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring and her wisdom live on- like a Legacy of Love that will forever be with you. May that Love surround you now and bring you peace. “
We offer our sincerest condolences to all of you during this immensely sad time with the passing of Leone. Her memory will forever live on, in the stories, photos, laughter & love you shared as a family & may they heal your hearts & brings smiles through your tears.
❤️ Don’t cry “because I’m gone; Smile brightly because I lived.” ❤️
Sending prayers of healing, may your family find strength & peace in each other now – you are surrounded by the love of family & friends to help you through the difficult days of mourning & grief that lay ahead.
❤️Love & Hugs, Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family❤️
Larry & Donna Shapton
To Deb, Hiram, Scott, Terri, and family… So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing Deb. Please accept our deepest sympathies to you and the rest of your family…. With lots of Love, Larry & Donna
Sam McKichan
So sorry Heather to hear of your mother’s passing.
My thoughts are with you and your family. ❤️
Vicki Geoffrey
My deepest sympathy to Leone ‘s Family,
When a mother dies, we lose a piece of who we are. We lose the person whose story provides the beginning of our own. You are in my thoughts!
Irene Zwart
My condolences on the loss of your Mom.
James Scott
Deb and Hi and all Leon’s loved ones. Please know that caring thougths and heartfelt sympathy are with you. Jim
Linda & Jim Dietrich
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Donna Mosurinjohn
To Leone’s family,
Sending my deepest sympathies ,treasure all your memories and mention her often ❤️
Carol & John Coleman
To all who knew & loved Leone Ford-Riddell;
Sending heartfelt condolences to each of as you prepare to celebrate the life of your mother, grandmother & greatgrandmother & dear friend. Embracing your fondest memories from years gone by are always the best way to pay tribute to a loved one and a life well lived.
George and Kathy Lee
Debbie, Hi and Family. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. Sending our deepest Condolences.
Barry and Darlene Miller
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Leone was such a lovely friendly lady!! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Sending love and hugs❤️
Marion McCarter
Heather and the Riddell and Bryan families:
Sorry for the loss of your mother. Treasure all her wonderful memories she has left with you as you journey forward.
Deepest Sympathy.
Joann
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I will miss Leone, there was something about her that touched my heart I don’t know if if it was her sass or her beautiful smile but I know it won’t be the same without her.
Deb & Ken Regier
Donna Dan and family, we are sending our heartfelt condolences. May all your wonderful memories have a place in your heart ❤️ 🙏
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Leone’s Family,
We extend our sincere sympathy at this sad time. We often met at the Villa when our mom was there. Cherish your memories!
Sandi and Rob Brintnell
Deb and Hi and family,
Sending out condolences prayers for each of you during this most difficult time.
Elaine Tomlinson
Dear Donna and Deb and all of Leone family.
Please accept my sincere condolences. We certainly enjoyed playing bridge with Leone in the past.
May your wonderful memories of her help you in the days ahead.
Jeff Borland
Deb, Hiram and Ford-Riddell Family.
Please accept my Condolence in the passing of Leone.
Marg Horner
I am sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She was a great neighbour.Enjoy all your good memories of her.
Margaret Watt
Deb and Hi, my sincere sympathy to you at this sad time, Cherish your Memories
Tony and Pam De Jong
Donna, Dan and family
So sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies.
Elaine Corbett
My deepest condolences on Leone’s passing. Cherish your memories to help you in the days ahead!
Judy & Gerard Grenier
Donna, Dan & family
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Karen Insley Windsor
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Karen Insley Windsor and family
Deepest sympathy to all of the family. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Jim and Helen Hearn
Deb and Hi,
Our sincere sympathy to you and all Leone’s loved ones. You like to think that she will be playing cards and enjoying life to the fullest once again. Our thoughts are with you.
Jim and Helen
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Heather and all of the Riddell family
Our condolences to all on the passing of Leone. It is hard to lose a parent, we hope your memories of her will bring you comfort in the future.
Brian & Janet Wedlake
Our sympathies to Leone,s family
Both Brian and I got to know her playing bridge. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by many.
Mary Ann Bender
Sorry to hear of the passing of Leone. We had a lot of good times with her in years gone by. Don & Mary Ann
Joan & Bob Finkbeiner
Deb & Hi Our thoughts &Prayers are with you and your family at this sad time God Bless Big hugs
Wanda Reynolds
Donna & Deb and the rest of Leona’s Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. I was thinking about her the other day while playing bridge with some friends. The Dashwood girls never played a 1 bid contract.
Wanda Reynolds
Jim and Nathalie Glavin
Sorry for your loss,,
Donna-Jean Dietrich & Rob Bilcke
My condolences to Leone’s family, my thoughts are with you all. I will certainly miss Leone’s spunk, the chats we would have and her beautiful smile.
Chuck & Pam Ross
We’re so sorry to hear of your beloved Mom and Grandma’s passing. Cherish all your wonderful memories.
Joan Cleave
Heather;
I am saddened to see that you have lost your beloved Mother.
So very hard to have to say goodbye, but your memories will keep her close always. Hugs.
Joan Cleave
Maureen Wood
Donna & Dan & the rest of Leone’s Family
My Sincere Condolences in the Passing of Your Mom,Grandmother.
She was a Great Gal, enjoyed playing Bridge with her at Hospital Bridge.
Thinking of you Donna,
Bernice Boogemans
Our sincere sympathy to the Riddell family. Many laughs when she played shuffleboard with us at the legion. May she rest in peace. Donna and Heather we will never forget the BABYSITTING girls.
Christina Scott
Heather , sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Thinking of you
Joann Dewan
RIDDELL FAMILY ,SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHERS PASSING. TREASURE THOSE MEMORIES . JOE &JOANN DEWAN
Sue Insley Wilson
Deb, Wayne, Donna, Heather, Brenda and families, Kendra and Steve and family, heartfelt condolences on your Mom/Grandma’s passing. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tamara Thompson
The Staff and residents of Exeter Villa share our deepest sympathies to your Family during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your loved one fill your heart and help you find peace. Sending you love and support.
Faye Skinner
To the family of Leone:
My sincere condolences. I enjoyed visits with Leone while in her own home and through her time with One Care. She was a lovely lady.
Cherish the memories!
Linda & Jerry Traquair
Condolences on the loss of your dear Mom and Grandma.
Evelyn Vincent
To Leone’s family
sincere sympathy. May the good memories bring peace and comfort
Jim Oesch
Sending my condolences on Leone passing to the Ford and Riddell families
Bill Heather and Karen Dickins
Our condolences to Leone’s family, we use to play cards with her at Riverview, so much fun, and a tough opponent. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Wendy & Les Coleman
Thoughts and prayers are with all your families as you celebrate your Mom, Grandma, & Great Grandma.
Carolanne Doig
Brenda and Heather and all, I am so sorry to hear this news. No matter our own ages or the age of our parents, it is a traumatic loss and a life changing event. May good memories of smiles, laughter and good times remain with you always whenever you think of your mom.