Leone D. Levendosky

Leone Levendosky was a strong, caring woman who loved bowling, exploring lighthouses, and spending time with her grandchildren. Underneath her cheerful outlook on life was a reservoir of strength, which those around her came to depend on. Always thinking of others before herself, Leone was one of those very special people you hope you will have the good fortune to meet one day.

The years from 1950 to 1959 were sometimes known as the "Fabulous Fifties". Fabulous or not, one of the things that characterized the 50's was the strong element of conservatism that ran through our society. Grand Rapids, Michigan was one of those conservative communities and the home of Benjamin and Leone (Nalbach) Czarnopys. The big excitement for them was the birth of a daughter on October 8, 1953, a beautiful baby they named Leone.

Growing up Leone found companionship and playmates in her sisters Joan and Pauline and her brother Joe. Together they made the Czarnopys home a busy place. Leone attended school in Grand Rapids, graduating from Union High School with the class of 1971. Shortly after graduating, she met and married James Levendosky. Although the marriage later ended in divorce, it did produce two wonderful children - daughter Jennifer and son Jimmy.

Leone loved her family, and among the many people who influenced Jennifer and Jimmy, she appreciated her mother who was actively involved in their lives. It was a sad day for all when her mother passed away. Leone worked in the Meijer's Corporate Headquarters in the IT department. It was a good job and she made many friends there.

When not working, Leone liked to relax by spending time at the cottage on Big Star Lake, or bowling or golfing. She also enjoyed the company of her two dogs, Abby and Sunny, who were both black labs.

Leone longed for the day when she would have grandchildren, so when granddaughter Grace was born, Leone was overjoyed. When grandson Brady came along, just four months ago, Leone felt doubly blessed. She loved to hear Grace call her "Grammy".

One of the biggest blessings in Leone's life for the last eight years has been her dear companion, Rob Clark and his daughter Carley. Leone and Rob loved traveling together and with their motor home visited almost every lighthouse in the state of Michigan. A special treat was when Rob would draw each lighthouse for Leone. Other vacations included cruises and taking the kids to Disney World and the Bahamas.

Leone was not one to just sit around. She liked to be busy and was always smiling. With her positive and loving personality she was never judgmental of others, accepting each person for what they were.

For the last five years, Leone fought a brave and courageous battle with cancer, supported by Rob who was always by her side. On February 10, 2006, Leone found everlasting peace.

Leone D. Levendosky (Czarnopys), age 52, of Grand Rapids passed away February 10, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her mother Leone Czarnopys. She is survived by her children Jennifer (Eric) Elling and Jimmy Levendosky; grandchildren Grace Elling and Brady Elling; dearest companion Rob Clark, and his daughter Carley Clark; father Benjamin Czarnopys; siblings Joan (Frank) Verburg, Joe (Chris) Czarnopys, Pauline (Bob) Napieralski; and James Levendosky. Friends are invited to meet with Leone's family on Sunday, February 12, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. The service to celebrate Leone's life will be Tuesday at 11 AM at the funeral chapel with Rev. Dave Breen officiating. Please visit Leone's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or sign the online guest book. Memorial contributions in memory of Leone may be made to Hospice of Michigan.