Wynoma “Elaine” Leesch, 91, entered into rest on February 15, 2012 in Manteca. She was born on July 21, 1920 in Sheffield, Iowa to the late Jack and Leona Strouse. Her loving husband of 60 years, Walter Carl Leesch preceeded her in death in 2003.
She leaves behind her children; Leanne Magincalda and son-in-law Marshall Magincalda of Manteca and Carolyn Leona Hotchkiss and son-in-law Wayne Hotchkiss of Minnesota Her grandchildren are; Breanne Wigginton, Melissa Wigginton, Pamela Fosse, Richard Hotchkiss, Shanna Dettwiller and David Hotchkiss. She was blessed with eight great grandchildren; Chelsea Garcia, Brinn Fosse, Amber Fosse, Wade Hotchkiss, Jamie Hotchkiss, R.J. Hotchkiss, Courtney Dettwiller and Parisha Benson. As well as 10 great- great grandchildren. In addition Elaine leaves niece April Strouse, nephew Richard Strouse and great niece Bonnie and Chris Miller, great nephew Mike and Tracy Elle. Sister-in-laws Alice Strouse and Leona Strouse of Florida. Her family was her pride and joy.
Her most valued accomplishment outside the family, was volunteering as a Senior Peer Counselor in Manteca and surrounding areas for many years, counseling the terminally ill and their families in their time of need. She was a very talented musician, she could play any instrument put before her; a gift that she would pass on to her grandchildren. She and her brothers, Bill and Bob Strouse, have played under the direction of such famous musicians as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and marched under John Philip Sousa during the Big Band era in Chicago. She was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, not beginning her day until all the puzzles in the Bulletin were completed. And, others looked to her for the answer whenever they would be stuck on a clue. She enjoyed going to the beach and visiting local Indian casinos along with her late husband, who nicknamed her “Honey Bee”. She was a self proclaimed ‘professional shopper’, and if there were any sales in town, you were sure to see Elaine buying the latest fashions and home goods. And, as a true sports fan always cheering on her favorite team the Sacramento Kings, or watching Dale Earnhardt, Jr., never missing a televised event. Elaine loved to travel and, like the younger folks do today, would post her latest adventures and thoughts on her own Facebook page, while at the same time keeping up with the doings of the rest of her family. Elaine was not the typical 91 year old, truly making sense of the phrase “your only as young as you feel” because to Elaine she was forever 21. Everyone, even those outside the family, would look forward to the lively conversation that she would initiate over dinner at any family get together, as there was no topic that was ‘off limits’ to her. She would talk about anything in her usual forthright and honest fashion. And, with her varied and colorful experiences from her past, she had much to talk about.
She will be remembered as a loving mother, adored grandmother, counselor, musician, artist, and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Arrangements for Ms. Leesch are under the direction of P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca. She will be laid to rest at East Union Cemetery on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 1:00 pm along side her loving husband, Walter. For condolences to the family or further information please visit our website at www.plfryandson.com (Search Obituaries)
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, February 25, 2012
