Obituary of Geraldean Leonard

Geraldean Leonard passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2018, one day after her 96^th birthday. Her last days were spent in the loving company of her children, grandchildren, her outstanding caregivers, and family dogs. She was preceded in death by her soulmate of 74 years, Wilbur.

Gerry was born on October 22, 1922 in Waitsburg, Washington to Maurine and Oliver Hobbs. Gerry received an AA degree from Lower Columbia Community College and held many jobs, including school nurse at Lydia Hawk Elementary School, where she went above and beyond to support students and staff alike.

Gerry raised four kids, often single-handedly, while Wil served in the Air Force during WWII. She had an open-door and open-heart policy, and there was often an extra neighborhood kid or two at her dinner table. She had boundless energy and loved taking the family clam digging at Ocean Shores and camping at Spirit Lake.

Gerry and Wil were founding members of St. Andrews Methodist Church and provided dedicated service and support to the church for more than 50 years. They regularly visited the elderly, provided money, clothes and food to those in need, took shut-ins to appointments, and were simply present for those who needed a loving touch. Gerry also volunteered at St. Peter Hospital.

In their later years, Gerry and Wil were avid square dancers and served as co-presidents of the Olympia Do-Si-Dos. They were active volunteers with the Union Gospel Mission and Habitat for Humanity. Gerry continued to volunteer through her early 90s, with her potato salad always earning rave reviews from construction crews!

Gerry is survived by her children and their spouses, Steven (Diane), Peter (Ruth), Martin (Lynne) and Susan (Doug); 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Gerri Haynes (Bob).

She is missed deeply, and remembered with love, devotion and laughter by her family and many friends.

A memorial service for Gerry will be on Saturday, May 4, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 540 School St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.