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Obituary for Leona T. Saunders
Leona T. Saunders, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2017 at the age of 89. Leona was born on December 6, 1927 to Vincent and Gertrude Tychulski (Ada & Nana). She was preceded in death by her sisters Virginia and Rosemary. Leona was the beloved wife of the late Joseph (Joe) D. Saunders. She is survived by her children Jim, Betsy (Kathy Hart), Mary Jo Rosen (Dr. Michael), Patty Reddicks (Randy), Michael (Carole Bielec), Kathy (Sandy), Barbara, David (Margret), Karen Ryan and Julianne Pruden, special godmother to Kate Jacobson, extremely proud grandmother of Daniel Rosen (Jessica), Mike Saunders (Lindsey), Alex Rosen (Chelsea), Megan Pignataro (Andy), Kristin Saunders (Brett Yuknis), Emily Reddicks, Grace Ryan, and Joseph and Ava Pruden. She was delighted to be called "GG" (great grandmother) of Penelope Saunders and Max Rosen and was a caring aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
Leona and Joe opened their homes and hearts to many exchange students from all parts of the globe. "When you are cooking for ten children, what's one more?".
Leona grew up in Detroit in a neighborhood filled with Polish tradition that lives on in her children. The places where Leona left her loving mark spanned from Herman Gardens, Mayfair Street, Marlborough Street, Barrington Road to Seacrest Drive, FL. After raising her ten children, Leona worked part time in downtown Detroit and ended her career retiring from Wayne State University. Her fun spirit always called for an adventure. That spirit was about living life and it was shared with her children in picnics on Belle Isle in the middle of winter, tailgating at Tiger games, playing in a dart league at the corner pub and any other adventure that would bring joy, laughter and fun. She and Joe would pack up the kids in the camper and go to such places as London, Canada to cheer on the Lady Stroh's softball team in the LaBatt's tournament. She would enjoy leading a cheer of "Ooh sasasa, ooh sasasa, hit 'em in the head with a big kielbasa" to the delight of fans and teams. With their friends, "The Gang", Leona and Joe went on mystery trips, attended the theatre, traveled to Europe and gathered with friends to discuss children, religion, politics and how they could make a difference.
Leona moved to Ormond Beach, FL where the beach and "her ocean" became a vacation destination for family and friends alike. Her door was always open and when you entered you could not help but be captivated by her smile, the gleam in her eye and feel her love. Leona joined the Red Hat Ladies Club traveling and participating in activities, once again spreading her friendship and love of life. She lived a life of optimism believing, "it will all work out". And family and friends scrambled to make sure it did! Even as her health deteriorated she would often reply "much better" when asked how she was doing that day. Leona lived a life where there was sunshine, the Tigers, music, love, laughter and always room for one more.
Family will receive friends Sunday from 12-8pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 Crooks Rd, Clawson MI 48017. A Tribute Service will begin at 6:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday 11am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 15020 Hampton Street, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230. Visitation at church begins at 10am.
Memorials appreciated to Great Lakes Hospice, 900 Cooper St, Jackson MI 49202.
