Leona T. Holodnick

Leona Theresa (Champagne) Holodnick, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, March 26, 2012.
She was born November 12, 1921 near Pinnebog at the home of her parents the late John and Ella (Hebert) Champagne.

On March 2, 1946, Leona was united in marriage to John Andrew Holodnick at St. Felix Catholic Church. He preceded her in death in 1989.

Leona attended Pinnebog High School where she graduated salutatorian in 1939. She went on to achieve her Registered Nursing degree from Providence Hospital in Detroit. Her nursing career spanned more than 35 years and included dedicated service as a School nurse at Croswell School for a time, Hubbard Hospital, Elkton Clinic, Elkton Elementary School nurse, Pigeon Clinic and Scheurer Hospital before retiring in 1979. She was recognized as one of the best nurses in her field and her humanity and kindness touched the hearts of everyone she met. She was a pillar of strength and support to her family as well as her community.
Despite her progressively debilitating Parkinson’s disease which she endured for many years, Leona never lost her love for life, family, or friends. She maintained a positive attitude, a great sense of humor, and a deep faith and spirituality which guided her daily actions. She was truly a generous woman with a sincere kindness of heart for all living things. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her.

She was a life-long member of St. Felix Catholic Church and was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Leona was the beloved mother of six surviving children, John Holodnick of St. Clair, Sidney (Nancy) Holodnick of Port Hope, James (Jessica) Holodnick of Cass City, Sue (Michael) Healy of Ubly, Nancy (Daniel) Kramarenko of Ashland, OR, Steven (Cherie) Holodnick of Ann Arbor; 15 grandchildren, Matt, Abby, Ted, Andy, Stefan, Karl, Peter, Sara, Emily, Andrea, Jamie-Ella, Cyrus, Eli, Evan and Anya and two great-grandsons, Noah and Owen.
Preceding her in death was her daughter-in-law, Beth Holodnick; three brothers, Clarence, Hebert and John Champagne and three sisters, Bernice Bushey, Pat Schram Vandeputte and Evelyn Gross.

Visitation will be began 9:30 AM Saturday, March 31, at St. Felix Catholic Church, near Pinnebog 9:30 A.M. and a funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Rev. Fr. Robert Pare’, pastor will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.
Donations may be made in her honor to the Home & Hospice Advantage of Cass City, the National Parkinson’s Foundation, or St. Felix Catholic Church