Leona A. Riecan

Obituary Leona Ann (Kish) Riecan, age 80, passed away peacefully on March 9,2008 at U.P. Care Center. She was born April 11, 1927 in Granite City, Illinois. She was the oldest of the 5 children of Andy and Anna Kish, Slovak immigrants who farmed in Southern Illinois and who preceded her in death along with her brother, Andrew J. Kish of San Jose, CA who died in 1999. She married George Riecan,Sr. on October 28, 1950 and made a home in Edwardsville, Ill. until they moved to Tacoma to be close to their only son, George M. Riecan and his wife, Peggy and their children. Their son, George M. Riecan moved to Washington in 1976 and married Peggy Styner of Yakima. Leona is survived by her husband, George,Sr. (U. Place) and their wiener dog, "Sammy," also, her son, local Trial Lawyer, George M. Riecan and her daughter-in-law, Peggy (also of U. Place), her three dear grandchildren: Dustin (fiance, Rachel Iacobazzi) Tacoma, Courtney (Orlando, Fl.) and Cameron (N.Y.C.), her sisters, Eleanor (John) Svetlik (Illinois) and Mary Lou (Ed) Petrunich (Illinois) and brother Edward (Kim) Kish of Yakima and dear sister-in-law, Judy (Andrew) Kish of Tucson. She also had so many beloved nieces and nephews (all were her "favorites") on the Kish and Riecan side of the family, most of whom still reside in Illinois and many other places. Leona was a dear wife, mother and grandmother who struggled with M.S. since 1970. She beat colon cancer in 2000, 4 heart attacks and had a total knee in 2002. She was the "Energizer Bunny" who lived at home with her husband until 2 years ago. From cane to walker to wheelchair she wouldn't give up but her time finally came. She was a devout Catholic and proud of her Slovak heritage and lifelong Democrat who got to cast her last vote for Obama in the Primary. The highlight of her life was her visit to Slovakia with her husband, son and granddaughter in 2002 where she visited her 96 year old Aunt Marina and many relatives and visited the the home of her parents, still in the family over 100 years. She made many friends at U.P. Care Center and the family is extremely grateful for the kindness, compassion and excellent care she received there during her last two years. Special thanks to caretaker, Elizabeth and her roommate, Pat. Visitation will be at Gaffney Funeral Home,1002 Yakima Avenue on Thursday,March 13th from 5:30 to 7:00pm followed by a short vigil. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Charles Borromeo at 9:00am Friday March 14 followed by a reception. Donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Leona's name or flowers may be sent to Gaffney Funeral home, Tacoma, WA. (253-572-6003)