Irene Leonard

IRENE LEONARD

Solon

Irene Evelyn Leonard, 99, of Solon, passed away peacefully at the Solon Care Center on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. Visitation will

be from 9 a.m until Mass time at the church. A luncheon will be served immediately following in the church fellowship center. Burial will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Nolan Settlement near Solon, at 1 p.m.

Brosh Chapel in Solon is in charge of arrangements.

Irene was an only child born May 12, 1915, to Joseph and Viola Raim. She grew up in the Solon area, the daughter of a prominent farm family. Her father was a state representative and leader of several agricultural boards in Johnson County. She became a school teacher and taught in rural one-room schools in the Sutliff area. She spoke of this often and considered it an important part of her life. It was just the start of her generous nature and love for helping others. She met Joseph Leonard at a dance and they married June 17, 1936.

After a brief time in the Lone Tree area, they moved back to Solon and began their life in farming. They had four children: Jim (Barbara) Leonard of Cedar Rapids, Elaine Sallis of Phoenix, Ariz., Larry (Mary) Leonard of Prairie Village, Kan., and Dennis (Barbara) Leonard of Belleville, Texas. She leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

We could always count on her to provide the love, security, discipline and guidance needed. She set a wonderful example for us and lived out her faith. We were blessed to have such a wonderful mother so involved and nurturing in our lives.

lrene loved helping with the many soup suppers, card parties and other social events that were so popular in Solon. Her wide circle of friends made it virtually impossible for her children to get away with anything and her not knowing. The community she so loved help play a major role in our development and brought her great satisfaction and support.

ln her later years, she moved off the farm to a small home in Solon. We were always impressed with her vigorous lifestyle, independent nature and ability to keep up with those topics important to her. She loved seeing the grandchildren and they delighted in spending time with her and listening to her stories – often about their parents.

She suffered an unfortunate fall in 2009 which led to her needing major nursing care. She took up residence in the Solon Care Center and made great friends. She was provided wonderful care by their compassionate and professional staff. We thank them for the many kindnesses they have shown our mother. Our mother enjoyed a long and full life in a community she loved. She was blessed with her faculties until the end and maintained a sense of humor and honesty throughout. We hope she has passed along these wonderful traits and the longevity that she enjoyed. We will miss her for all she has done for us and know we and her community are better for her being a part of our lives.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.