Joyce Mary Leonard

Feb. 8, 1929 — March 31, 2018

Joyce Mary Leonard was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Vern and Blanche Ashley. She was married to Robert Leonard on Aug. 31, 1947. Their marriage was performed by the wonderful Reverend Lyman Winkle. They had three children, David, who resides in Post Falls, Idaho, Marijo (Bill) Guindon, who resides in Post Falls, and Patrick (Peggy), who resides in Dalton Gardens, Idaho.

She is survived by her five grandchildren, Matt (Rachel) Leonard, Kevin Leonard, Brad (Kaci) Medlock, Ashley (Jonathan) DeAustin and Katy Leonard; also six great-grandchildren (plus one on the way), Gavin Van Heel, Gibson Van Heel, Jeffrey Robert Leonard, Britnee Hudson, Mitch Crain and Alli Crain; plus one great-great-grandchild, Darren Hudson. She also leaves one sister, Sue Thordarson, who resides in Coeur d’Alene; sister in-law, Jill Ashley of Des Moines, Wash., and sister in-law, Shirley Murray of Coeur d’Alene. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Leonard; and brothers, Mike Ashley and John Ashley.

Joyce received her B.A. from Whitworth College and her M.A. from the University of Idaho. She taught school in Hayden Lake, where she was also the girls’ basketball coach. She also taught in Post Falls and was a consultant for the Idaho Department of Education. She obtained her real estate license in the 1970s and began a career in real estate during the “Cloud 9” days.

She spent most all her summer days in her youth and later in life on Coeur d’Alene Lake and at Sanders Beach, as well as Three Tree Point in Burien, Wash. She loved the water and the sun.

We would like to thank the staff at Schneidmiller Hospice House for all their comfort and care in her last hours; what a peaceful loving home. We would also like to thank the wonderful, kind-hearted staff at Pacifica Senior Living, where she made some wonderful friends and was always treated with love and respect; they were the very best. Her last years were hard but she is finally at peace and can rest.

There will be a family gathering this summer to celebrate her life. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Joyce’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.