Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Leah Kunkel
1948 - 2024
Leah Kunkel
1948 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1948
DIED
2024
Leah Kunkel Obituary
Leah Kunkel was a singer, songwriter, member of The Coyote Sisters, and the younger sibling of "Mama" Cass Elliot of the Mamas & the Papas.
We invite you to share condolences for Leah Kunkel in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns)
13 Entries
Kevin Breadmore
March 5, 2025
My dear freind you saved me from prison you were the only one who believed my innocence you saved my stepson also you were a great person a great lawyer fly high in the sky with the stars you will be missed dear lady
Mr. Jr.
December 30, 2024
My condolences.
Lisa White
December 2, 2024
Sorry to hear of the passing of Leah. Her lovely voice will be missed by all who knew her. Leah used her voice to bring joy to others which brought happiness to her. May you reflect on Leah´s life to bring you comfort during this time of sorrow. May you also find comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father will give you comfort through his word the Bible.
Janna Goodwin
December 1, 2024
In (I think) 1993, I was in my early 30s, back in school, trying to launch a theatre festival and to complete my BA at Hampshire College. One dark day, I found myself in the midst of a dramatic and painful breakup with my significant other. I suddenly needed a new place to live. M--, one of Leah's closest friends and collaborators and also a friend of mine, introduced us: Leah had a vacant room in her house, a cozy little garret she was sometimes willing to rent out. With Millie barking her little brains out in the background, Leah opened the front door with that inimitable, crooked smile she had, the one that meant everything at once, from "Hi there!" to "Don't mess with me" to "Can I trust you?" to "I just had the funniest thought, but I'm going to keep it to myself." I was intimidated by her-- the resonant, silken voice; the long hair; the world-weary maturity and confidence that could change, in an instant, to hilarity. Her personality was, to me, bigger than life. I was absolutely certain I wanted to get to know her better, and I was damned lucky that I did. Leah was important to me, and important so many people; to be in her company (and the company of her friends) was to feel buoyed by the warmth of the astonishing community she'd built (and was the center of). Dinners were the best. She taught me early on that I didn't know how to dress a salad (you have to toss the hell out of it once you add the balsamic and oil) but now I do. For that and a thousand more vital things you shared with me-- insights, wit, wisdom, laughs--Leah, thank you and I'll always miss you. Condolences from the bottom of my heart to Owen and Nate, to the rest of the family, and to those who knew Leah much longer and better than I.
How you can show support
Carson Loveless
November 30, 2024
Condolences to her family
David Morehead
November 29, 2024
Harmonize with Naomi....into eternity ~
Elizabeth Bell
November 28, 2024
RIP Kunkel
Wolf Krakowski
November 28, 2024
A friend refered her to me to look over a record contract in the `Nineties. Later, found an old LP in a vintage vinyl store in Toronto and learned about her musical journey, -a Columbia recording artist, - no less! It was only scant months ago that we found ourselves shmoozing at a friend´s gathering. A multi-talented and accomplished person, -she was empathic and understanding, encouraging and supportive, candid and authentic. She will be misssed. Wolf Krakowski, Northampton.
Mr. Jr.
November 28, 2024
My condolences.
RB
November 28, 2024
Prayers for the Kunkel family, May God be with.you in your time of loss.
Bob Heiss
November 27, 2024
R.I.P. Thank goodness that your unique voice will live on through your recordings.
Kevin Bias
November 27, 2024
I was blessed to play music with Leah. Her kind, empathetic soul was manifested in her music, a heavenly mix of 70´s/60´s gold with a voice that warmed like a blanket, and felt like comfort. My deepest condolences to her children and her family and friends.
Marc LaPointe
November 27, 2024
R.I.P. Leah . Thanks for all the laughs
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Leah Kunkel's name
How to support Leah's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Leah Kunkel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more