Leona P. Cotelleso Deemie (Phillips)

Leona came into the world on April 30, 1944, in Hannibal, Missouri, born to Franciesco and Machelina (Fiorella) Cotelleso. On March 29, 1959, she married Walter H. Deemie, and they were blessed with three children. Throughout her life, Leona found a constant companion in Troy Phillips, with whom she shared over 38 years of life's journey, culminating in a recent celebration of their marriage. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Walter “Walt” (Darla) Deemie of Dundee, FL and Christopher “Chris” Deemie of Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Tara (Jon) Harman of Glenwood Springs, CO, Josh (Jessica) Runyon of Peoria, IL, Michelina Runyon of Brimfield, IL, Brianna Deemie of Peoria, IL, and Christopher Deemie of East Peoria, IL: great-grandchildren, Cristian Alanis-Mata, Dylan Runyon, Beckam Runyon, Jensen Johnston, and Piper Harman; siblings, Ernest “Sonny” (Roma) Cotelleso of Hanna City, IL, Joseph Cotelleso of Peoria, IL, and Tom (Yvonne) Cotelleso of Hopedale, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Teresa Runyon, brothers Vittorio “Vic” Cotelleso and Eugene “Gene” Cotelleso, sister Cecelia “Sis” Colclasure, and grandson Walter Michael Deemie.

For many years leading up to her retirement, Leona successfully owned and operated her own cleaning business, a testament to her strong work ethic.

In the heart of her home, the kitchen, Leona could often be found singing or humming along to church hymns while preparing delicious Italian dinners. She held the role of the family matriarch, always playing the gracious host during family gatherings and acting as the glue that held everyone together.

Her kindness, attentive listening, and genuine love endeared her to all who knew her. Blessed with an amazing sense of humor, Leona's infectious laugh brightened the room. She found great enjoyment in live music, cherished the sensation of all things soft and silky to the touch, and loved her family with a fierceness only she could deliver.

Bearing an Italian fiery spirit, Leona maintained a unique blend of passion, empathy, and compassion throughout her life leaving behind an enduring legacy for all to remember.

A funeral service will be held at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 12pm, with a visitation to start two hours prior at 10am. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

Words of comfort may be shared with the Deemie family at www.Davison-Fulton.com