Leah Kunkel

1948 - 2024

Leah Kunkel obituary, 1948-2024, Northampton, MA

Leah Kunkel

1948 - 2024

BORN

1948

DIED

2024

Leah Kunkel Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 27 to Nov. 28, 2024.

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)

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October 23, 2025

deby posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2025

Kevin Breadmore posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2024

Mr. Jr. posted to the memorial.

28 Entries

deby

October 23, 2025

I was just thinking of you as I listened to your sister sing. I met you once while attending an Art Garfunkel concert; you were backup singer and sang 1-2 of your own compositions. So kind, so attentive to a young fan who had wandered backstage. Thank You for that moment that I have never forgotten. R.I.P.

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.

Richard Card

December 18, 2024

Leah... kindness, wit, generosity of spirit, grimly determined to see justice done... Leah, the world is so much less grand without you in it!

Richard Card

Marcia Sheehan

December 10, 2024

Kindness with a capital "K". So sad to read of your passing. You gave much to many, including many of the young women that I worked with while a probation officer. Your musical talent will forever be remembered.

Karen Brodeur

December 10, 2024

I worked with Leah for a few years back in the 90's. She was not only kind and generous, but she was also a beautiful soul. She would always ask me to go to Packard's with her for a burger!! The world lost a wonderful person and my deepest condolences to her family.

Rosemary Butler

December 5, 2024

Leah was a friend and I knew her when she was married to Russel her husband. I loved her voice! She was a sweet person and wonderful mother and I got to watch her children grow up to be successful and talented adults. She will be missed. Rosemary Butler. Rest in Peace Leah and peace to the family.

Lisa Baskin

December 5, 2024

Your life was a gift to us all.

Lesléa Newman

December 2, 2024

Oh Leah, I will miss you so. Others will speak of your amazing music (as they should) and your important work as a public defender (as they also should). I will speak of your kindness, generosity, sense of humor, intelligence, and compassion. Your laugh that could and did fill a room. Your legendary holiday parties. Your love of animals. I hope that wherever you are, your beloved Chappy dog is sitting on your lap and your sister is sitting by your side. May your memory always be for a blessing and inspire us to do good in this world. (Photo taken about a year ago)

Michele Reiter

December 2, 2024

I was deeply saddened to learn about Leah's death. She was a shining presence, a compassionate person, someone we could count on for advice or just a warm smile. Leah will be greatly missed. Michele Reiter, Haydenville MA

Kori Cooper

December 2, 2024

An amazing attorney, singer, composer...and overall human! Leah, thanks for truly making this world a kinder place. Thanks for caring. Rest easy.

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.

JFN

December 1, 2024

Leah was a kind compassionate attorney and brilliant musician world has lost a gem. Rest in peace Leah and thank you for your defense of a family member. Lots of love Jessica.

Eric Gouvin

November 30, 2024

Leah had an amazing voice and wasn´t afraid to use it, whether she was creating music, representing clients, or teaching a classroom full of students.

What a loss for those of us who admired her. May she rest in peace.

Carson Loveless

November 30, 2024

Condolences to her family

Susan Maguire

November 30, 2024

A caring and smart attorney. Wonderful musician and wonderful person. This is a very sad loss.

Yvonne Pesce

November 30, 2024

One of the finest attorneys I ever worked with; she gave the best arguments! I'll miss her wit, kindness and friendship. This is such a loss.

Mark James

November 29, 2024

Tell you big sis that the world still remember her. Fly to the Angels, Leah!!!

theresa hatch

November 29, 2024

Loved your music and singing! Rest in peace Leah....

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

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Not sure what to say?

October 23, 2025

deby posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2025

Kevin Breadmore posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2024

Mr. Jr. posted to the memorial.