by Sr. Joan Stoverink, ASC
December 3, 2024, came and Sr. Leona Luechtefeld was able to cross a long-anticipated milestone; she turned 100 years young. But it didn’t happen as she thought it would.
In her mind and the mind of her family and community, a party would be on Sunday, December 1, followed by a quieter day on December 3.
Late November changed this when Sr. Leona succumbed to an illness, which put things temporarily on hold.
But surprises came for Sr. Leona on her actual birthday that included a special Eucharist at the rehab center, attended by a large gathering of nieces and nephews, a few ASCs of the area, a dearly loved presider and friend, Father Clyde Grogan, and even the mayor of Belleville.
The mayor presented Sr. Leona with a Proclamation that declared December 3, 2024, as Sr. Leona Luechtefeld Day in Belleville, IL. Heartfelt words of gratitude were spoken by Sr. Leona at the end of the Eucharist, exemplary of her long life blessed with an “attitude of gratitude.”
Cards, cupcakes, punch, and visiting followed to make this a memorable event for Sr. Leona. After that we heard that she enjoyed a l-o-n-g nap!!
Happy Belated Birthday Sister Leona. So glad you had such a wonderful day. Sounds as if you had a wonderful celebration of your life. Sending my love, Cathy Eberhardt, formerly known Sister M. Geneva.