Kathleen “Kathy” Diane Leonard
Kathleen “Kathy” Diane Leonard
Cedar Rapids
Kathleen “Kathy” Diane Leonard, 79, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at The Views of Marion. A visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 5, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The funeral service will begin at 5 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Iowa. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Kathy Leonard, under the video tab starting at 5 p.m. Friday May 5.
Kathy was born July 20, 1943, to Richard and Wilda (Springer) Kinney in Tacoma, Wash., and subsequently moved to Perry, Iowa, at the age of two. She married James (Jim) Leonard on Feb. 11, 1962, in Perry, Iowa. For 37 years (1981-2018), with an unmatched work ethic and dedication, she loyally served the students and staff of the Linn-Mar Community School District in both nutritional services and transportation. She loved being a “lunch lady,” school bus driver, and the relationships she had with students, staff and coaches. Kathy also enjoyed providing extra support in the kitchen and on bus trips for fine arts and athletic events. She was awarded the Linn-Mar LIONS Service Award in 2013 for her excellence in superior performance. She was also a volunteer at Mercy Hospital and a member of the Mercy Caregivers Center Together in Song Chorus.
Kathy was a selfless woman and embodied the values of servant-hearted leadership: listening, humility, trust, caring and gratitude. Family was her foundation, always demonstrating resilience and making personal sacrifices for the betterment of her family and loved ones as well as following her kids’ events, activities and careers. She focused more on others and learning their stories vs. sharing about herself. She also had a playful nature with a good sense of humor and joy for playing practical jokes. Kathy thoroughly enjoyed music, whether it was watching American Idol, participating in the Chorus, singing along to the radio in the car, dancing or attending concerts.
Kathy is survived by her children, Steve (Diane) Leonard and Kristi Leonard (Terry Oliphant); sister, Carol (Rodney) Dixon; and cousins, nieces and nephews.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; two children, Scott and Greg; spouse, Jim Leonard; sister, Sharon (Philip) Book; pseudo parents, Peg and Jack Bittner; and pseudo siblings, Dick (Joan) Bittner, Don (Rose) Bittner, Sally Moxley and Jim (Lois) Bittner.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Views of Marion for all the love and care they gave Kathy.
Memorials may be directed to the family or donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.