Leona Fern Toussaint

I shall always treasure a summer day in the 1990s (?) when Leona and Jon and I walked from Maynard's Restaurant (on the site of the old Excelsior Amusement Park) to the Excelsior swimming beach. The three of us talked of memories and friends we had in common. In 1945, Leona went into eighth grade and I, as a newcomer, into ninth grade. She spent the summer days swimming and diving, while I was sunning on the beach. I was fascinated by this little mermaid but, of course, was too bashful to...

I have been so very sad since I found out that Leona died. She was a wonderful friend and role model for me as I was coming of age. I was confused about who and what I wanted to be. She was so fun to hang out with. She was openly intelligent, kind, irreverent and muti-talented when women were required to be so much less. It was such a treat when Leona and Jon came to our wedding. Joe and I both loved her. I would not be the person I have become without her. (She sent me a yellow rose bush...