Vira (Texie) Leonardi

Resided in Kipling, MI
Died May 24, 2023

Kipling, MI

Vira (Texie) Leonardi of Kipling, Michigan, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the age of 92.

Vira lived life to the fullest. She devoted herself entirely to family, faith, and friends. Born on May 7, 1931, in Adrian, Michigan to Walter and Ellen (Nellie Flynn) Garvey, Vi was the youngest of five children. She attended St. Thomas Apostle School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At the age of seven, her family relocated to Chicago, where she attended St. Lucy’s Parochial School. She graduated from Austin High School in 1949.

Vi worked a variety of jobs throughout high school, serving ice cream and waiting tables. Upon graduating, she worked as a bookkeeper at Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust. Later, she worked in Accounts Receivable at Lederle Laboratory (now Pfizer).

While working at Lederle, she arranged a blind date for her friend, Betty, with a handsome young tree surgeon named Ernest Leonardi who was working for the Chicago Park District. Vi and Ernie caught each other’s eye and, subsequently, dated for eight months. Vi was devastated when Ernie accepted a job as a Conservation Officer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he grew up.

All was not lost, however, because Ernie launched an all-out campaign to win Vi’s heart. Daily letters, phone calls and even trips to Chicago led to an engagement. They were married at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Oak Park, Illinois on June 28, 1952.

Their life together in Michigan was hectic and productive. They lived in Big Bay, Ironwood and finally settled in Kipling. Throughout this time, they had nine children but lost one child, Theresa, in childbirth. They sent their children to Catholic schools and were active in their home parish, All Saints of Gladstone. Vi served as a Eucharistic Minister and Ernie sang in the choir. They also attended and served at the Marygrove Retreat Center in Garden Grove. In addition to church activities, they were active in their local Kiwanis organization.

Vi treasured her heritage and taught her children many jaunty Irish tunes which were sung at full volume as they did the dinner dishes. She also loved the family’s annual camping trips, particularly Ernie’s creations as camp cook. At their home in Kipling, they entertained their friends by hosting annual mini-putt and bocce ball tournaments.

Once all of her children were in school, Vi worked as a teacher’s aide at elementary schools in the Gladstone School District. After retiring, Ernie and Vi took many trips, visiting their children and grandchildren throughout the United States. They even traveled to Ireland and Italy, connecting with long lost relatives.

Vi is survived by six children: Stephen (Kathleen) Leonardi, Mary (Rick) Coleman, Peter (Kariss) Leonardi, Joseph (Lili) Leonardi, Paul (Tracie) Leonardi, and John (Karen) Leonardi. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Lynda McAfee-Leonardi, her brother-in-law; Harold (Mary/Carole) Franze, her nephew; Michael (Judy) Franze, fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her siblings; Walter, Thomas, and Richard Garvey and Mary Franze, her husband; Ernest Leonardi, her daughters; Anne (Ray) Jensen, Patricia (Lynda) Leonardi, Theresa Leonardi and her sons-in-law, Ray Jensen and Rick Coleman.

Family will receive friends on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Noon at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. A private burial service will take place at Fernwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to All Saints Church, Gladstone MI or St. Emma Monastery, Greensburg, PA. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Leonardi family.

14 Tributes for “Vira (Texie) Leonardi”

    Oh dear sweet Vi…..words cannot explain how sad we are to hear of your passing. Since 1996 when my husband became a catholic at All Saints church in Gladstone…little did we know that you would forever play a bug role in our lives. You have touched us deeply within by your kindness and by your letters and love. We too had 8 children and you connected with us in a special way. May God bless you and Mother Mary cover you with her Heavenly Mantle. We will be forever united in prayer and our sympathy and love goes out to her family left here on earth. Love & prayers for all.

    I am saddened to hear of Vi’s passing, but delighted to celebrate the big life she lived. Growing up in Gladstone as a classmate and friend of Patti (Patricia), Vi and the Leonardi family were a great example of living life well and pursuing dreams. It was always comforting to see her smiling face in my days at Cameron elementary school. Her embrace of all of her children and acceptance of them was a great life lesson for me. I hope her memory will be a blessing.

    Thinking of you and the family John. I’m so glad you were able to be there with her when she went home. Cherish the memories.

    To the entire Leonardi family we send love and prayers. Your mom was the kindest and most gracious women I ever knew. I visited her a few years ago when Auntie Buck was staying at Lakeview. We talked for several minutes. She was so sweet.
    Rest in peace Vi, god has a special place for you.

    John

    My heart goes out to the whole Leonardi family ………. “I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your mom, but I’m sure she was a special person because she raised an amazing human being: you@ Wishing you peace and comfort during this unimaginable time.”

    Godmother, you were the very best! Perpetual light is surely shining on you! You showed this world a shining glimpse of Heaven by your: words, actions and deeds. My sincerest, and deep felt sympathies are sent to Vira’s family and friends.

    The world lost a real sweetheart. I never saw Vi that she wasn’t smiling and encouraging. Always looked for the good in people. Never a harsh word or criticism. Rest in peace, sweet lady.

    Steve, Kathleen, Mary and family,
    Sending my sincere deepest sympathies to all of you. Treasure your memories, and know how blessed you are to have such a special Mother
    Thinking of you, sincerely,
    Vicki

    Well….it’s been a few weeks since Vira passed and as I read the other tributes I thought it’s time I should also share a few words. I met Vi when I was a math teacher at Cameron. She ALWAYS had the cutest little smile and cared for ALL THE KIDSin school like they were one of her own. SHE WAS A SWEETHEART of a person.
    She and her husband sponsored myself and my wife for a CURSILLO at MaryGrove in Garden, Mi. That experience changed my life for the better and it’s that experience that help me to understand the love that Vi displayed to everyone that encountered her. We were invited to the GOLF TOURNAMENTS that Ernie set up around the big yard that they had. GREAT GREAT MEMORIES!
    I had a few of their children in my math classes….they were ALL SO VERY INTELLIGENT AND SO VERY VERY RESPECTFUL.,Ernie and Vi RAISED SOME VERY BEAUTIFUL children. A note to the kids…..YOU CERTAINLY CAN BE VERY PROUD OF BOTH YOUR PARENTS.

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