Mrs. Leonard worked as a secretary and retired from Belleville Area College after 22 years of service. She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Her greatest life’s work, however, was in the raising of her six children and spending time with her thirteen grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than doing things for and with her family. She was a most caring and giving person. It’s only fitting that she died the way she lived, on her own terms, surrounded by her loving family.
Marilyn was a Crossword Puzzle Master, an avid Cardinal Fan, and a World Traveler, having set foot in all fifty states, as well as in several countries. She also enjoyed her many pets. Her sense of humor and her sweet smile will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 52 years, Milton W. Leonard, whom she married on December 12, 1953, and who died on September 18, 2005; her parents, Elroy and Marian, nee Jensen, Maurer; a brother, Ronald (Genevieve) Maurer; a son-in-law, Cliff Geno; and a grandson, Kelly Sullivan.
Surviving are her six children, Patricia Geno of Belleville, IL, Mary Kay Shattuck of Belleville, IL, Bryan (Belinda) Leonard of Barrington, IL, Lisa (John) Bruno of Belleville, IL, Cindy (Mike) Lotz of Belleville, IL, and Gary (Jan) Leonard of Columbia, MO; 12 grandchildren, Shaun, Ryan, Max, Peter, Thomas (Kate), and Catherine (GP), John (Hanlynn), Amanda (Devon), Jeremy, Jacqueline, Kathleen, and Vincent; and three great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Family Hospice, especially Wendy, Courtney, and Linda.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family Hospice of Belleville. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, January 6, 2022, at St. Luke Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Masks are required.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 6, 2022, at St. Luke Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Joseph Oganda officiating. Masks are required.
Private burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.