Monica Kannedy

She came from a family that had 15 children (Margaret, Leo, John, Tillie, Tony, Joe, Mark, Pauline, Larry, Betty, Rose, Regina, Monica, Frances and Evelyn).

Monica married Erasmus “Raz” Leingang on March 19, 1947. They moved to Yakima where they raised their 4 children: Sharon Marie, Gloria Ann, Peter Erasmus and Paula Marie.

She and Raz were lifelong members of the VFW where he became a Commander, and she was President of the Ladies Auxiliary. They also belonged to the group of members that would visit nursing homes. Monica dressed up like Mrs. Santat Clause at Christmas to take gifts and food to the children at Selah Special School.

Erasmus passed away in November of 1993. Monica married Fred Kannedy in 1996 until Fred’s passing 5 years later. Fred and Mom enjoyed traveling, which she was never able to do when she was younger.

We took Mom to a family reunion in North Dakota in 2018. There were over 150 relatives there. She gave a speech even though she was over 90 and was declared the “life of the party”.

Monica was preceded in death by husband Erasmus Leingang, her parents, Fred and Ida Hellmann and all her siblings. She also precedes her son in law Mike McGeary.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Marie and Gil Maffit of Germantown, WI, Gloria and Lloyd Butler of Yakima, WA, Peter and Linda Leingang of Yakima, WA, and Paula McGeary of Wapato. Also surviving Monica are her two granddaughters: Amanda (Mike) Harrison of Yakima, WA and Christa McGeary of Wapato, WA. Monica is also survived by grandsons: Joel (Lisa) Liefke of Whidby Island, WA, Dustin (Tomi) Liefke of Kennewick, WA, Doug Wallace of South Dakota, Michael McGeary of Smithville, TN and Josh (Andrea) Leingang of Yakima, WA. She also has 11 great grandchildren.

Keith and Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA, is handling her arrangements. Monica will be buried next to her husband of 46 years, Erasmus, at Calvary Cemetery in Yakima. There will be no service, but we will have a Celebration of Her Life with a family dinner in the spring.

Monica’s family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Rexford Manor (her extended family), The Chesterley and Landmark for their wonderful care of Mother.

We will miss her humming and beautiful smile.