Leona Elinor Stenholm

Leona Stenholm was born on January 17, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois. She was a world traveler that lived life to the fullest. Leona first met her father at the age of three and a half years old as he was deployed in Europe in support of World War II. Leona held a bachelor's degree from Calumet College of St. Joseph, a Master’s in Arts in Elementary Education degree from Indiana University, and a Master’s in Arts in English as a Second Language. She was a long time member of Phi Delta Kappa International.

She spent her career teaching elementary children in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (renamed to Education Activity) and ESL in retirement. Leona taught for 20 years in Naples Italy, Yokohama Japan, Okinawa Japan, Keflavik Iceland, and Guantanamo Bay Cuba before retiring to Florida. She spent her downtime travelling to more than 20 other countries. Leona was an accomplished scuba diver and could be found white water rafting and rappelling. She enjoyed spending time with her family and always had quick-witted commentary during large gatherings.

Leona Stenholm is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Bernadette and brother-in-law Louis Spencer. She is survived by her sister Sally Spencer (Stenholm) and nephews Gregory (Mary Ellen) Spencer, Philip Spencer, Michael (Bethany) Spencer, Timothy (Kaitlin) Spencer, Daniel (Madeline) Spencer, and 9 grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Washington, D.C. with close family. A charitable donation is appreciated in lieu of flowers to:

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 5323 E County Rd 462, Wildwood, FL 34785 or

https://myasthenia.givevirtuous.org/donate/donation-form