Lennie (Leonore) Kakalecik

Lennie Palma Kakalecik has left us to join George, her beloved husband of 65 years, and her parents, Charlie and Rose Corsentino in their heavenly home. She is survived by her three siblings, Joe C. Corsentino, Hank Corsentino and Charlotte Corsentino. Lennie was born in Trinidad, Colorado in 1932 and attended a one room grade school that shaped her life. A natural learner, she absorbed everything and skipped a grade to attend high school a year early. She married George Kakalecik in 1951.They had three children – Cathy (Mike) Coatney, Rosalie (Jim) Glenn and Chuck (Sara) Kakalecik. Attending college in Pueblo, she became an English/Speech teacher and Department Chair for 15 years, retiring in 1987. She was named to the Pueblo Centennial High School Hall of Fame in 2016, describing her as a “tough but caring” organized English teacher who especially excelled in writing instruction. She sponsored the girls drill team, the Matchwits quiz team and initiated the Advanced Placement English Program at Centennial. Lennie loved Literature and read voraciously. She wrote an amazing family history that was illustrated and published for her family. It is titled “Chiddu e alberu bonu, chi havi radici.” It is a Sicilian Proverb that roughly translates, “It’s a good tree that has roots”.

Lennie was a “oner” as her husband would describe her – unique and extraordinary. She had boundless energy, an incredible work ethic and excelled at whatever she attempted. She was an amazing, loving example to her 7 grandchildren, often taking them on camping trips and many other adventures. Her 11 great-grandchildren got the opportunity to know her and love her as well. She will be greatly missed – and a very hard act to follow!

She and George were active at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Pueblo West in their later years. A memorial gathering will be held in her honor soon. In lieu of flowers, please donate toward Macular Degeneration research, such as the BrightFocus Foundation, which would please her greatly!

A Celebration of Life will be held for Lennie, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, teacher, and friend, on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 4:00pm at the Olde Town Carriage House on The Historic Pueblo Riverwalk, 102 South Victoria Avenue in Pueblo. All whose lives she touched are invited to attend.