Stastny, Leni Lee

Leni Lee Stastny, 65, a very happy retired person, passed away in her home on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.

She was born at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 7, 1948, to Leonard and Cecilia Stastny. Leni graduated from Jefferson High School and later from California State University-Los Angeles with a BA in Sociology.

She is survived by her son, Todd Velnosky; daughter-in-law, Emily; and grandchildren, Amy and Jonah; as well as her brother, Kimm Stastny; and three nieces, Bridget VanGetson, Monica Collins and Gillian Farsalas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Todd; and sister, Carol.

It is simply not possible to properly sum up a person in a few short paragraphs, especially this wonderful woman. She was known for being full of energy and life. She loved her son and grandchildren immensely. She was a good friend. In her world travels, she sought to learn and grow from the experience and then share that with others. She brought a spark to every conversation and could be counted on to ensure nothing got boring. Ever. She exercised vigorously every day often staying well ahead of those much younger. And, in 39 years, she never once missed her son's birthday. Leni will be dearly missed.

Friends and family are invited to a gathering at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library as well as the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, two organizations whose mission and purpose Leni fully supported.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 24, 2013.