Born in Lopez, Pennsylvania, Leona was the 12th child of 14 children born to Anna and Joseph Bushofsky. They had a family owned farm where life was very challenging. Before going to school the children did their morning chores, milked the cows, and then ran them out to pasture. They canned food for the winter, and baked their breads and pies in an outdoor brick oven.
From a young age Leona worked hard. At age 16 she went to work in the garment factories and eventually became the seamstresses’ union representative. During World War II Leona worked as a “Rosy the Riveter”. By her early 30’s she opened her own dress shop “Lee Ann’s Fashions”. Leona was a brave woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. In later years she began a real estate career which she worked at until her retirement. She made wise property investment purchases which sustained her throughout her retirement. She was courageous and smart both at home and in her careers.
At age 20 Leona married Joseph Riley and had two children, Joe and Debbie. In 1950 while pregnant with Debbie her husband passed away, leaving her a widow at age 28. Leona faced life with strength and bravery. She bought her own home in 1950 and continued to work and raise Joe and Debbie.
At age 30 Leona met the love of her life, Donald McKay. Two years later they married on March 19, 1954. Together they had five children: Donald Jr., Douglas, Gregory, Joyce, and Marvin. These were the happiest years of Leona’s life. She loved raising her children. She was an excellent cook, seamstress and teacher for her children. She made many of their clothes and taught them well. Don and Lee and the children loved fishing, hunting, motorcycling and travel in the camper. At home, Don and Lee (as he called her) loved to cook and entertain. Life was fun.
Her husband, Donald, passed away on January 4, 1979. Again a widow, Leona continued working in real estate and providing for her children. Their son, Donald Jr. passed away December 21, 1980.
After retiring from real estate at age 65, Leona took on the role as loving grandmother and began caring for her grandchildren: Grant, Logan, and Raegan Willis; Crystal, Erica, and Doug McKay; and Robert.
Leona’s warmth extended beyond her own children to all the neighborhood children. The children’s friends all speak fondly of her. She was warm and inviting. All can attest to her many home cooked meals that she so generously shared with all. She made everyone feel welcome in her home.
Up until age 95 she continued to live in her own home, cook and invite family over for meals and a game of Rummy Cube. Her final months, from July 2017 until her passing, were spent in the loving home of her daughter Joyce.
Leona was the last surviving sibling of 14. She is survived by her 6 children, 9 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and two step-daughters.
Leona faced life bravely. She provided for her family throughout her 96 years. She was sharp as a tack; if anyone needed to figure out how to do something, Leona could do it or tell them how. She kept us laughing with her lightning fast retorts, and she will be fondly remembered for her kindness and generosity. Leona you will be greatly missed!
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