Leona Jindra Langan, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, at Benedictine Living Community in St. Peter, Minnesota.

She was a 1950 graduate of Pacelli High School in Austin, Minnesota.

Leona was blessed with a love of people and culture. She always looked to expand her knowledge and actively pursued ways to do this. At the time of her high school graduation, her parents offered either funding for a college education, or education by exploration. She happily chose the latter and embarked on a trip around the world with a close friend. Her love of travel continued until the end, with many trips all over the world with friends and family.

Leona had a love of style and fashion, and refused to look shabby all the way until her last breath. On her last days, she wore a beautiful purple scarf that was a gift from her niece, as well as lipstick and perfume. She relished beauty in all forms — people, places, art, food, knowledge and, especially, animals. She was fortunate to get to Africa for a safari a few years ago. It was a dream come true to also meet the natives and experience their culture. She loved animals of all kinds and was thrilled to meet the visiting therapy dogs at St. Benedictine.

Leona was a great chef, relished cooking for her loved ones, as well as eating the food they cooked for her! She had many great meals at her nieces’ and nephews’ homes in California and Edina, and looked forward to getting spoiled at every household.

Leona cherished every one of her family and friends, and she will be forever missed. She was loved by everyone she ever met.

Leona is survived by her nieces and nephews, Paul Englund (Annette Elizabeth), John (Nancy) Winter, Patti (Tom) Brennan, Nanci (Brian) Gunning and Gary (Karen) Winter; 23 great-nieces, great-nephews, and their spouses; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Gertrude Jindra; her brother, Jim; and her most beloved sister, Mary.

A memorial service was held Sept. 11 at the St. Peter Funeral Home. Those wishing to send a memorial are asked to make a donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund.