Mary Emily Leamon 96, of Lena passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. She was born in Macomb, IL on April 22, 1927 to Thomas "Lee" and Bertha (Yetter) Murphy. She graduated from Carthage High School in 1945. After high school she attended Carthage College and graduated with a degree in physical education. While at Carthage College she met her future husband on a blind date. She and Jack Leamon were married on June 18, 1949 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage, IL.

Following her marriage to Jack, they planted their roots in Lena and had three children: Tom, Janet, and Paul. By 1956, Mary started working alongside Jack in the family businesses: Leamon's Funeral Home, Leamon's Furniture Store, and Leamon's Ambulance Service. She took pride in keeping the records by hand for these businesses and it showed through her pristine penmanship.  In 1995, Jack and Mary sold the furniture store to concentrate on the expansion and operations of the funeral home and ambulance service that continue today as a 6th generation family business.  She answered emergency and non-emergency phone calls. She was the "voice behind the phone" until the age of 85.

Mary was a 74 year charter member of Delta Mu Sorority. She was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lena American Legion Auxiliary, Altar and Rosary Society, Lena Business Professional Association, and was a board member of the Lena Friendship Center. Mary and Jack traveled the world together with their children in tow. By planes, trains, and automobiles they traveled the country on vacations, as well as attending numerous conventions and trade shows. They visited many places from Japan to England, with Alaska being her utmost favorite destination. She had a brilliant mind and loved strategic games like cards and puzzles. She had a passion for playing Bridge throughout her life. She played in many Bridge groups over the years and continued to play until two weeks ago. Mary was the matriarch of her family, known for her poise, quiet strength, kindness, and compassion. Her smile will forever be cherished. She was loved by all and will be missed by many.

Mary is survived by her three children: Thomas (Dawn) Leamon, Janet (Douglas) England, and Paul Leamon, all of Lena; six grandchildren: Jennifer (Jason) Kempel, Aaron (Tiffany) England, Kimberly Leamon, Abigail (Matthew) Bland, Montana (Ryan) Bartell, Sierra (Kyle) Maurer; two step-grandchildren: Timothy (Janice) Leamon and Jeremy Rapp; thirteen great-grandchildren: Owen, Emma, and Lucas Kempel, Rhianna and Brennan England, Alexander Leamon, Jackson Bland, Devin, Gabriel, Emily Bartell, and Elijah, Mason, McKenna Maurer; two great-step-grandchildren: Bailey and Laughlynn Leamon; and her sister Stella Wade, age 98, of Florida.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack Leamon; sister Martha Metternich; brothers-in-law- Edwin Wade and Marcus Metternich.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 19, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL

Father Andrew Hernandez will officiate the services.

Burial will take place at the Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL

A memorial has been established in Mary's name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com