Frances Leonard

Frances Leonard, 88, of Lenexa, Kansas (formerly of Topeka) died Monday, January 20, 2014, at Sunrise of Lenexa. She was born in Wamego, Kansas, November 22, 1925, to Ethel Machin Pixley and Frank Pixley. Frances graduated from Wamego High in 1943 and from Christ Hospital School of Nursing in Topeka in 1946. Frances married John Leonard, her high school sweetheart, in 1945. They lived together until his death in 2000. She was also preceded in death by her only brother, Jack Pixley. Frances will be remembered for the high energy which she focused on her family. She worked hard with John to provide her children with love and opportunities in life. She is survived by her five children: Tom Leonard (and Sara) of Topeka, Kathy Leonard (and Ralph Lamping) of Fayetteville AR, Ann Woods (and Jeff) of Lenexa, Mike Leonard (and Lynn) of Shawnee, and Carol Fischer (and Bill) of Overland Park. She is proud of her nine grandchildren, Ian, Ryan and Leah Woods, Patrik and Michael Leonard, Kali and Merik Lamping, and John and David Leonard. Four great-grandchildren include Ella and Lucas Woods, and Owen and Lily Leonard. Frances worked in public health for many years in Kansas and Nebraska. She was an early proponent of women’s reproductive health. When she and John moved to Kansas City, Frances achieved her Advanced Practice Nurse license and became manager of the women’s health and STD program in Johnson County, Kansas City from 1978-1991.This work and her clients were dear to her heart. Frances was raised Methodist and loved the hymns and celebrations of her youth. Before marrying Dad, she converted to Catholicism. In her middle years they joined a Marriage Encounter group at Holy Trinity Church. They shared many years and events with these beloved friends. Frances died with complications of vascular dementia. Family and friends saw her memory gradually slip away. We miss the conversations of old. We do value the good times we have shared. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mater Dei Holy Name Church in Topeka at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23rd. Burial will follow at Wamego City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3625 SW 29th Street, Topeka KS 66614.

Frances Leonard

November 22, 1925 - January 20, 2014