Josephine
M. Leabo
Died
October 1, 2015
SUTTONS BAY – Josephine Mary Leabo, 81 years young of Suttons Bay, passed away Oct. 1, 2015 peacefully in her sleep. She was alert that evening listening to stories of her passed mother with many smiles of fond memories. She was known as Josie, Jo, or Grandma Leabo to most of her family and friends. She joined her Lord on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 while resting at Cherry Hill Haven, The Nest in Traverse City.
Josie was born on Sept. 25, 1934 in Detroit, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Pollaccia) Bica. On April 28, 1956, in Detroit, she married Peter Allen Leabo who survives.
Josie was a full time homemaker and book keeper for their farm and construction company. She enjoyed quilting, writing letters and cards, gardening, flower arranging, square dancing and caring for her family. The most enjoyable times for Josie were being surrounded by family and friends. She loved entertaining and everyone was welcome in her home. She frequently traveled to the Detroit area to spend time with her mother, with whom she shared a very strong bond.
Josie was a member of the St. Michael's Alter Society her entire adult life where she devoted much of her time as a sunshine girl writing cards to parish members for various occasions. She also helped the church with flowers, making funeral lunches, and teaching religious classes for youth.
Most importantly Josie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her sweet, kind, gentle way and constant smile will be missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her husband of 59 years, Josie is survived by her children, Michael Peter (Shari) Leabo, Peter John (Kathleen J. Smith) Leabo, Sherri (David) Crider, John Gregory Leabo, and Mary McManemy; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, William (Bernice) Bica, James (Bonnie) Bica, and Michael (Judy) Bica.
The family wishes to thank The Nest of Cherry Hill Haven for the care Josie received. We appreciate the many staff who provided kindness, compassion and comfort to her and our family over the past 2 and a half years.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. with the rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons Bay. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery and a luncheon at St. Michael's parish hall. Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.
Memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Altar Society, P.O. Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or to the Suttons Bay - Bingham Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
Please share memories and condolences with Josie’s family online at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau.
George and myself send our heartfelt condolences to the family. My children and I have known Josie for 35 years. When I moved in across the road from the farm she was the first to welcome my kids and myself to the neighborhood. Of course, she brought a casserole! From that day forward, she has been my dearest friend and confidant over the years. When I had to work late, my kids always knew where they could get some "down home cooking" (son, Jeff) ! As time went by, we traveled to Florida together; she was like a kid on spring break! The next year we flew to Colorado to see my daughter, Shelly. Jo's first plane ride. She got her Rosary out! We had a great time driving on narrow mountain roads (again the Rosary!) and having picnics in a mountain meadow with my daughter, Shelly. She loved the mountain flowers and the views. Back home, even though we both were on perpetual diets she always tried to feed me. "Monja" Eat! She made sure she was at every special family event of my life. Weddings, graduations, birthdays. Josie will always have a special place in our hearts. We will miss her but also know she is free of her aching, torturous body, and by now she has made her rounds and knows who all is there in heaven! With love and prayers, George, Karen, Shelly and Jeff
ReplyDeleteDear Karen,
DeleteThank you for such a sweet note, it sure tells a true picture and great memories of my mother. I am so grateful she had such a good friend in you. You brought out the fun, young side of her and she had so much fun with you! It was good to see you at the funeral. Stay in touch.
Mary