Marea J. Leaverenz

Many things can be said about Marea J. Leaverenz. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Marea was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Marea was born on January 9, 1937 at City Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents were Albert and Ann Lamatrice. Marea was raised in Ohio and Arcadia, California. When she was young, Marea's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Marea demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Marea grew up with two siblings. She had an older sister, Lulu and a younger sister, Dede. Marea was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Marea carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Marea was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Marea was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Marea could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in barrel racing, cheer leading, and was a member of the Girl Scouts. In her spare time she liked to ride horses. However, to Marea, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Marea had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Arcadia High School in 1955. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Marea had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Marea was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Marea as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. In addition to being a cheerleader during high school, this is also the time she met the father of her children.

Always considered a “good” friend, Marea sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Marea always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Marea’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Marea would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Marea was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. Some of her best friends throughout her life were: Jimmy Russell, Larry & Fey, Sonny & Carolyn, her sister Lulu, and Aunt Rosie.

On January 14, 1956, Marea married Donald R. Leaverenz at the St. Luke's Catholic Church in Temple City, California. Compassionate and devoted, Marea worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that family came first in Marea’s book. She was always caring and made certain that she considered her family's feelings. By trusting her emotions, Marea did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Marea was truly a person of empathy.

Marea’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Marea shared these values with her three children- sons, Donnie and Al and daughter, Theresa. Marea was also blessed with two grandchildren, Jenny and Kelsey. Marea related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Marea experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupations were as a casino cashier, dealer, and bank teller. She was employed for 10 years by Ceaser's, 10 years by Harvey's, and she also enjoyed her time working at Santa Anita Race Track. Marea always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Marea took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Marea was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Marea continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Marea took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were crochet, knitting and Bingo. Marea enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Marea derived much satisfaction from sports. Because she was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Marea delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. In high school, Marea was a cheerleader. Recreational sports included baseball, bowling, and bocce ball. Marea was a sports fan and enjoyed betting on her favorite football teams and loved a day at Santa Anita Race Track, betting on the gray horses. But most of all, she loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports.

Throughout her life, Marea was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Marea was known to her peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Marea was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting her own needs aside. Marea’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Marea’s ability to bring valued principles along with her. In high school, Marea was a member of the Jr. Statesmen and the Arquettes.

Marea enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Marea were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Baja and Washington. She also worked on a cruise ship for six months and had the opportunity to travel all over the world.

Marea was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Marea's favorite was Pretzel, a St. Bernard dog. They were best friends for eight years. Her family was rounded out by her dog, Jackpot and chipmunk, Little Joe.

When Marea’s retirement finally came in 2004, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Marea had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Marea knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her new life involved relocating to Henderson, Nevada. In retirement, she found new pleasure in bocce ball, bowling, and playing cards. Even in retirement, Marea continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Marea passed away on January 31, 2011, peacefully at home in Henderson, Nevada, after fighting a long battle against Emphysema. She is survived by her children: Donnie, Al, and Theresa; grandchildren, Jenny and Kelsey; and her sisters, Lulu and Dede. Services were held at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands, California, where Marea was also laid to rest.

Throughout her life, Marea was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Marea leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Marea J. Leaverenz.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.