Marlene Rose Leonard

Marlene Rose Leonard, 86, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2024. A life-long resident of Racine County, she was born on March 6, 1938, to Roy and Eleanor (Spang) Leonard.

Marlene attended Saint Louis School and graduated from Saint Catherine’s High School. She earned her Bachelor of Education from Dominican College of Racine and a Master’s Degree from National Louis University.

In the early years of her teaching career, Marlene was affiliated with the Racine Dominicans. She went on to become an elementary teacher within the Racine Unified School District, where she formed many cherished, lifelong friendships. She found immense joy in teaching and had a lasting impact on her students. Marlene was a member of the Racine Retired Teachers Association and a devoted parishioner at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

She is survived by her loving siblings: sisters Carol Egresi, Eleanor Patricia (Gary) Lueneburg, and Barbara (Joseph) Vesbach; brother Charles (Shirley) Leonard; and brother-in-law Eugene Egresi. She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, two brothers, and their spouses.

Marlene had a special love for her family, especially cherishing her monthly luncheons with her sisters and the time spent with many other relatives. She enjoyed going to the movies, attending the theater, and embarking on travel adventures with family and friends.

Known for her kindness and generosity, Marlene touched the hearts of everyone she met and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Nancy, Sharon, Chris and all the relatives who offered love, support, and companionship to Marlene in her final months. A very special thank you to her nephew, Brian, for his unwavering care and dedication to Marlene.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Marlene’s life will be held 11:00 am, Friday, January 24, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. Thomas Vathappallil officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation on Friday at 10:00 am until time of Mass at the church. Private interment will be held at St. Louis Cemetery. Memorials to the family to be used for a memorial bench for Marlene have been suggested.