Leona L Day

Leona L. Day, 88, of Loves Park, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, April 29, 2018. Born August 14, 1929 in Chicago, IL. Daughter of Earl “Dutch” and Ruby (Tompkins) Richmond. Graduate of East high School where she did synchronized swimming. United in marriage to John F. “Jack” Day on July 5th, 1947. He predeceased her on August 8, 2000. Employed over the years in various forms from working in a delicatessen, factory work at Wood and Brooks until they closed in 1969, to becoming a dog groomer, showing dogs and an instructor for obedience training classes. After Jack passed away she took yearly trips to Florida with her family where she loved being on the beach and collecting sea shells. She found enjoyment in reading, doing puzzles of all sorts especially jigsaw and Sudoku, to knitting and crocheting. A favorite pastime was feeding and watching the birds and squirrels.

Survived by her daughters, Deborah Ballard, Denise (Mike) Magdziarz; grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Tatum, Julie (Jeff) Gardner, Aaron (Samantha Cooper) Magdziarz, Marc (Michele) Ballard, Danielle (Erik) Nelson; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Paige and Jack Gardner, Alex and Lauren Tatum, Tiffany Miller, Chelsey Ballard, Cooper Kincaide; special pet bird, Sweetie. Predeceased by her parents; husband Jack; son-in-law, Bruce Ballard.

Funeral Services at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 3 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Visitation at 9 a.m. until time of Service. Entombment following services in Sunset Memorial Gardens.