Christena May Leahy

Christena (Tena) Leahy is preceded in death by her parents, Thelma M. Leahy, and John J. Leahy. Tena was involved in athletics her entire life. She lettered in volleyball at the University of Louisville. Tena was a high school teacher for 20 years in the Jefferson County Public Schools. She was an emergency medical technician and associate athletic trainer for Butler High School, Male High School, Eastern High School, and the University of Louisville football team.

Tena coached boys' and girls' sports, but her specialty was girls' basketball. She guided the Butler Bearettes to the 1980 Girls' State Championship and finished her career with a 187-71 record. Tena coached the Kentucky All-Stars in their annual battle with Indiana and the West All-Stars in the East-West All-Star game. Tena was Director of the series for three years, serving as President and an Officer of the Kentucky Girls' Sports Association.

Tena initiated and directed the prestigious Louisville Male Holiday Classic for three years, served as the seventh region representative for the Kentucky High School Coaches Association, served seven years on the Louisville Invitational Tournament selection committee board, and worked three years as a speaker and instructor for the National Shot Doctor's Association of Boulder, Colorado. She continued to be connected with high school sports, helping others, and serving as an Assistant Principal at Eastern High School until her retirement.

In 2001, Tena was inducted into the Dawahares Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and, in 2008, honored into the Kentucky Association Basketball Coaches Court of Honor for her contribution to Kentucky High School Basketball. She was also a Kentucky Colonel.

Tena worked at Churchill Downs part-time for 30 years. She served as Secretary-Treasurer, Trustee, Executive Board member, and Vice-President of the SEIU Local 541 Union for Mutual Clerks.

In addition, she had her own framing business called "The Framing Farm"; she did art and picture framing services for funeral homes, doctors, friends, family, and others.

Tena's most significant asset was what she believed: to pass it forward, to help others, and always for the love of the game.

Finally, Tena wanted to thank all the students and athletes she met or spoke with and any other individuals who might have shared time with her during her life. God bless those who have passed before her and those who will pass after her.

She is survived by her sister Patricia Brown, brother Timothy Leahy, and six nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 2:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 4:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions East Chapel (235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY 40243). 

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