Annie Leona Grant, 96, passed away at the Heart of the Valley care home in Middleton, NS on June 30, 2026.

Leona was born in Upper Kennetcook, Hants County on May 24, 1930. Her parents, Clarence and Helen Hennigar, moved the family to a farm in Granville Centre in the beautiful Annapolis Valley when Leona was 17.

She went to Normal College when she completed high school and began teaching in one room schools in the Valley.

She met her husband, Freeman Grant, while teaching in Belleisle. After they married, they lived in Bridgewater for a couple of years, then returned to look after the Granville Centre family farm.

Leona was a life-long learner. She completed her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education while teaching and raising her family. She was a caring teacher who was always “all about the kids”. She finished her teaching career as principal of the Granville Consolidated School in Granville Ferry.

Once she retired, she and Freeman became involved with Senior Games and enjoyed the activities and travels the organization afforded.  She also danced at House of Roth.

Leona was a member of the St. Mary’s Anglican Church for nearly 80 years and served as organist for about 15 years.

Leona was a woman of quiet strength and gentle compassion. She gave unwavering support to her family and community. Her home was always a safe space, where one would find a kind acceptance and a listening ear.

Leona was predeceased by her parents and her husband.

She is survived by her sister, Vivian Wright, her four children: Helen Hardy (Andrew), Joyce Grant-Smith (Les), Glenn Grant (Marsha), and Wendy Knowlton (Bill), as well as 7 grandchildren, John Allen Grant, Jesse Smith (Sarah Hartling), Natasha Hardy, Alexis Smith (Jordon Reid), Hayley Hardy, Alister Hardy and Julia Boudreau (Ab Boudreau) and her two great grandchildren Jason and Rowan. Her quiet wisdom and loving presence will be missed by us all.

The funeral will take place at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Belleisle on Monday, July 6 at 11:00 am with Rev. Julia Ford officiating.  Internment following in the church cemetery.

A reception will follow the service at the Acadian Hall in Belleisle. All those who would like to visit with Leona’s family are welcome to come to the reception.

Family flowers only, please. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart of the Valley care home in Middleton for their recreation department, to Senior Games, or to a charity of choice.

Her quiet wisdom and loving presence will be missed by us all.