SWARTA, New Life Members

SWARTA awarded four special branch members with new lifetime memberships. Who are they, and how are they spending their retirements? 

Kathy Leonard began her teaching career at Galbraith School at the age of 18. She then taught at Lakeview School, General Stewart, St. Basil's Schools, Senator Buchanan, and Fleetwood Bawden. She returned to university mid-career to graduate from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Education degree. Following retirement, Kathy volunteered at Alberta Health Services for seventeen years. She plays bridge weekly, goes to the gym three mornings per week, and rounds out the week with a Bible study group. She enjoys making jigsaw puzzles and travelling, having visited, so far, Israel, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, and Great Britain.

Bob Pawlowski attributes his longevity to Doreen, his wife of 58 years. He served on the ARTA Pension and Financial Wellness Committee (three years as chair) and as an ARTA Representative. He enjoys bowling, long walks, scrapbooking NASCAR race photos, and spending time with his family and friends. His happiest moments are meeting former students and listening to their accomplishments.

Joyce Webber graduated with a teaching certificate from Manitoba Teachers College. She then took time off to raise her two daughters. After moving to Lethbridge, she enrolled at the University of Lethbridge, completed her Bachelor of Education degree, and taught at the Coaldale Community Kindergarten. After retiring, Joyce substituted, did home visits, and volunteered with children. Now she has time to garden, sew, travel, volunteer, and enjoy coffee time with socializing.

Kathryn Yoshida graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle and after teaching in Seattle for eight years, moved to Lethbridge where she enjoyed raising her children. Later, she was hired by Lethbridge 51 as a resource room teacher and after getting her Canadian citizenship, a position at Nicholas Sheran. Kathryn is now on a new journey. She can usually be found four mornings a week at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) taking classes, meeting retired teachers, being involved with others, and socializing. She has grown to embrace the natural environment here, especially the blue sky, and she loves the ease of getting to the mountains. Kathryn values Lethbridge as a wonderful place to live and to have raised her family.

Terry Whitehead | President, SWARTA