Lena "Leona" Tiffany

Lena 'Leona' Tiffany Feb. 4, 1914 ' Mar 16, 2009 'Leona' Tiffany 95 of Polson, Montana passed peacefully with dignity under the care of Five Star Alternative Nursing in Woodbury, MN. Leona was born to Nancy C. Grantier and Herman E. Lippel on Feb. 4, 1914 in Stockett, Montana, and attended schools in Great Falls. When she was a teenager, the family moved to Rollins where Leona worked in the orchard, raspberry patch and their ice cream stand helping support the family. She said no matter haw hard they worked they knew there would be time for a swim at the end of the day. In order to attend High School in Polson, her mother found her work as a serving girl for the McIntyre family and later, the Madson family. She worked for her room and board and was able to attend high school and graduate Salutatorian in 1932. Edward Tiffany said he first 'set eyes on her' as she walked to the mailbox in Rollins. When her family moved to Great Falls after her graduation, Edward regularly made the commute to court Leona. They were married in 1934 and boarded a train to Chicago so Edward could attend The Coyne Electrical and Radio School. Upon completion of his training in 1935 they moved back to the Flathead and lived in Rollins. The couple had five children: Hal E. (Beverly) of Woodbury, MN. Stanley W. (Janet) of Great Falls, MT. Thomas E. of Auburn, CA, and Polson, MT. Nellie T. Heckman and Nancy L. Olson both of Polson, Montana. Leona was the primary caregiver for the children as Edward traveled wherever he could fin work. She spoke of carrying water from the lake for cooking, cleaning, bathing the babies, washing and watering the garden. Before their twin daughters were born Edward found work as an electrician at The Anaconda Copper Mining Co. in Great Falls where he worked until retirement. Leona was the consummate homemaker while her children were young. Edward credited 'his little honey' with making the money go around. When her boys were grown, she worked as a Pastry Cook for the Great Falls School District. Later on, she attended Great Falls Business College. Upon graduation, she was hired as a Business Machines teacher, and taught until her retirement when they moved back to their beloved Flathead Valley. They worked in their small orchard and raspberry patch near Woods Bay until moving to Polson. Leona has 11 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild living in Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Washington, Nebraska, Texas, California and Germany. Leona was a quietly spiritual woman who loved her family, home and church. Leona was active in church and school activities, a den leader for Cub Scouts, a leader for Camp Fire Girls and 4H Club. She was active in the Lutheran Women's Groups, Home Demonstration Club and a neighborhood sewing circle. She and Edward enjoyed square dancing, camping, card games and visits to friends and relatives. After retirement they continued to travel with trips to Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska and a Cruise for the family to the Caribbean in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. Leona was an avid gardener and always kept beautiful gardens. She loved to read. In addition to reading from the Bible daily, she liked to randomly open the Dictionary and learn a new word every day. She loved to play the piano and sing. She was a gifted seamstress: she crocheted, knitted and quilted, and made each grandchild an afghan as a wedding gift. Her mother and father, two brothers, and her beloved husband Edward preceded Leona in death in 1999. Leona was a kind, caring, involved mother, a loving wife and a good friend. In her late eighties she reflected on her life and said how fortunate she had been to have such a wonderful husband and family, and as she looked back on her life, she had no regrets. Funeral services will be held in Woodbury, MN. Friday March 27th, with inurnment to be held in Lakeview Cemetery in Polson later this summer. Memorials may be made in her name to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. Local arrangements under the care of Grogan Funeral Home. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
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