MONICA LEINGANG

Monica Leingang "Our Matriarch" The heart of our family was called home to God on Tuesday, February 22nd. Monica Leingang was born in St. Anthony, North Dakota on April 9th, 1919. She married George Leingang in 1940 and they settled in Tacoma to raise a family. In 1960, together they built a raspberry farm in the Puyallup Valley and cultivated many wonderful family memories until George's death in 1983. In addition to working the family farm, Monica was employed by West Coast Door for 41 years. After George's death Monica traveled extensively, including visits to Europe, Australia, and numerous cruises. In 1995 Monica met the second love of her life, Gerald Bowerman, and together they traveled the whole of the United States in their R.V. and wintered in Yuma, AZ. Monica lived a long and strong life and was adored by her family and friends. Her proudest achievement as well as her greatest joy was watching her family grow and prosper. Monica was preceded in death by parents Wendline and Clara Steckler, son-in-law John Pittman Sr., granddaughter Kari Pittman, great grandson Ritchie Door, brothers Kasper and Nick Steckler, and sister Frances Sturn. Monica is survived by partner and best friend Gerald Bowerman, daughters Colleen (Chuck) Johnson and Linda (John (dec'd)) Pittman and sister Rose Zander; the light of her life were grandsons Johnny Pittman and Michael (Stacey) Johnson, and granddaughter Kim (Syd) Russell. Later in life, God gave her the gift of her great grandchildren Cody, Kyle, Katie, Alexa and Shae. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Critical Care staff at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, and the caring providers at Franciscan Hospice House in University Place. Rosary will be recited at Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Chapel at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 25th, 2011. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 26th. To make a charitable donation in the name of Monica, the family respectfully suggests Franciscan Hospice House, University Place, WA. Arrangements by Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home. 253-472-3353, online guest register at www.pipermorleymellingerfh.com .