Dorothy A. Leonard

Dorothy A. Leonard, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully at home in Barefoot Bay, Florida surrounded by her family on April 15, 2025 at the age of 86. Born on September 1, 1938, in Kawkawlin, Michigan, Dorothy was a vibrant spirit whose life was devoted to her family and faith.

Dorothy's greatest joy came from her role as a mother to her five children: Cheryl (Randy) Krick, David (Susan) Leonard, Cindy Plant and her significant other Mike Coan, Douglas (Tammy) Leonard, and Brenda (Daniel) Paten. Her loving nature extended to her nineteen grandchildren—Shaun and Justin Krick, Kristen Lower, Steven, Jacob and Emily Leonard, Jim, John and Kyle Plant, Michael, Katie, Russell and Jared Leonard, Brandon, Wesley, Tyler, Danielle, Joseph, and Joshua Paten—as well as her twenty-one great-grandchildren and one on the way. Each of them carry her heart and legacy forward. Dorothy is also survived by her two sisters, Mary (John) McCumber and Elaine Piasecki; brother, James Kozlowski and many nieces and nephews who adored her.

Dorothy's nurturing spirit was evident not only in her family life but also in her community involvement. She was an active member of the Prince of Peace Parish - Sacred Heart, where she served faithfully on several committees, including RCIA. Dorothy sat in the same pew at Prince of Peace Parish Sacred Heart Campus for over 50 years where she also served as an extraordinary minister. She was dedicated to her role in the parish, exemplifying her deep faith and commitment to service.

Beyond her family and church, Dorothy was known for her lively laughter and her ability to bring joy to those around her. She loved making people laugh and had a genuine heart full of love for everyone she met. Her passions included square dancing with her husband Ron, camping, and traveling to all 50 states and many countries, enriching her life with adventures and experiences. Dorothy also enjoyed decorating wedding and party cakes for 50 years, being a Girl Scout leader, playing music bingo, and sharing her love of music by giving piano lessons to her children and grandchildren. Family gatherings were always warm and filled with laughter, as she dedicated her time to creating lasting memories with her loved ones and being engaged in attending the grandchildren’s events. Dorothy was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Ronald Leonard; parents, Alexander and Elizabeth (Grezeszak) Kozlowski and her sister-in-law, Henrietta Kozlowski; brother-in-law, Jerry Piasecki and several in-laws on Ronald’s side of the family.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Prince of Peace Parish-Sacred Heart Campus in Kawkawlin, Michigan. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Nicholas Coffaro with interment following in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the Gephart Funeral Home on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Dorothy will be taken to the church to lie in state on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Prince of Peace Parish or St. Francis Hospice.