CHRISTINE LEONARD

Christine Robin Leonard, age 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday January 1st at Theda Clark Medical Center, after a very brief illness.  She fought her way into this world on July 30th, 1953, in Madison WI, beloved daughter of Robert and Beverly (Christopherson) Leonard. As a consequence of a complicated birth, Chris faced many challenges in her life, hardest being her constant medical challenges, which even from an early age she faced with an insurmountable level of courage and acceptance, always enduring things with a positive outlook and a one step at a time approach.  Her family was so proud of her.

Chris was a graduate of Neenah High School class of 1971.  After graduation she moved to Green Bay and lived with her beloved Grandma Doris. Together they cheered on the Packers, baked fantastic goodies, attended church and enjoyed each other's company. Chris had a very special place in Grandma Doris's heart. After Grandma passed away Chris moved back to Neenah to be closer to her family and has been part of the community up until her recent passing.

As a child one of Chris's fondest memories was time spent at her Grandparents cottage.  She loved to swim and boat. She loved being there surrounded by her family and family pets.  Chris also loved football and she understood the game backwards and forwards, you would be hard pressed to win an argument with her if you were not well versed in the game. Discussing football was one of her passions.  She was a die hard Packer fan and in her early years a season ticket holder. Chris also loved to read, craft, copy recipes, puzzle, listen to country music, sing (she had a beautiful voice), and study her devotionals. Not only was she always doing something, but she always had something in cue to do next.

Chris was a lover of animals, children, people (especially those in need of a little extra love), and her family. She was kind and compassionate, she didn't have a judgmental bone in her body, she was quick with a hearty laugh to almost any joke you told, and was always retelling stories with a twinkle in her eye and a “wasn't that something, I really got a kick out of that”. Chris lived life always in the present, making sure to do the things she enjoyed every day.  She was also incredibly humble and appreciative. She will be greatly missed by many.

Chris is survived by her mother, Beverly Leonard; brother, Steve Leonard (fiance Jayna Block), sister, Debbie (Pete) Sherwood; 4 nieces and nephews: Holly (John) Geyer, James Gloudemans, Jacob Gloudemans, and Tara (Nick) Henderson. She also is survived by many great nieces and nephews, and special friend Dee Kline.

Chris was preceded in death by her father Robert Leonard.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, in the Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church St., Neenah, with Rev. Paul Huxtable officiating.  The visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.