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Delight Leonard Obituary
Sept. 26, 1930 - Jan. 5, 2020
After a lifetime of devotion to her family, friends and community service, Delight Kolar Leonard of Portland and Gearhart died in Portland, Jan. 5, 2020 from Alzheimer's disease.
The youngest daughter of Edward and Delight Verdenius Kolar, she was born in Portland Sept. 26, 1930. After attending St. Helen's Hall (Oregon Episcopal School) and Lincoln High School, she graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Sociology (Class of 1953). She met Richard "Dick" Leonard when they were both students at Stanford; they were married in 1953 and returned to Portland the following year to raise their family.
Following her parents' example, she gave back to the community throughout her life, including President of the Portland Junior League, Ainsworth PTA and Lincoln High School PTA; leadership positions at Women of Good Samaritan Hospital and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Altar Guild; and serving on the boards of Camp Fire and the Oregon Symphony for many years.
She always found time for her family and friends: holiday celebrations, birthday parties, Cub Scout den mother, Camp Fire leader, gardening, travel, investment club, bridge club and many athletic pursuits over the years: golf, tennis, skiing, jogging and cycling. She belonged to and participated in the Town Club, the Portland Garden Club, the Portland Racquet Club, the Portland Golf Club and the Multnomah Club.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dick; and son, Peter. Survivors include her sister, Charmian Kolar Hilleary; children, Chip, Chris (Kirsten) and Libby Pugel (Matt); seven grandchildren, Courtnay (Michael), Brittany (Nate), Whitney, Colby, Katie, Margaret and Annie; three great-grandchildren; and her niece; nephews and their families
A memorial service will be held in Portland at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 N.W. 19th Ave., followed by a celebration of her life at the Town Club, 2115 S.W. Salmon St.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Oregon Humane Society, 1067 N.E. Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211, (503) 802-6793, www.oregonhumane.org
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Delight Leonard
Sponsored by The Family.
6 Entries
Franzi Thompson
January 4, 2025
A shining star for all she encountered and knew. Franzi
Stan Turnbull
December 18, 2020
I'm sorry to read of Delight's death but happy to learn that she enjoyed a long and fulfilling life. I was her boyfriend during her freshman year at the University of Oregon and she was a truly delightful person -- Stan Turnbull, Los Altos CA
(Charmian, I remember with pleasure several supportive phone conversations with you)
Franzi Ridgway Thompson
January 20, 2020
Dear Chip, (and the Family)
I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing and wanted you to know just how fondly I remember her. A truly loving and generous woman, both with her time in service to others as well as in her loving presence. I am sorry for the loss of such a dear and beautiful woman, mother and friend. All of my sympathy to all of you. My mother died of the same and soon your memories of her ehen she was vital will flood back to you all, bringing back the mother you began losing, piece by piece, years ago. Wohelo is right. Love Franzi
Mary McFarland
January 12, 2020
Delight was indeed a delightful person and a lifelong friend of my mother Betty Howard McFarland. My brothers, sister and I grew up with her children. Delight was always so nice to me personally and I know she will be missed by her many friends.
January 11, 2020
Delight was a lifelong friend of our mother, Sally Hart, and we have many wonderful memories of growing up with the Leonard family. She was very kind and thoughtful, and perfectly named! Much love from the Hart girls
January 11, 2020
My deepest condolences. Gordon Leitch, MD
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