Christine Margaret Leonard

Mrs. Christine Margaret Leonard lived a life that was as special and nurturing as the crafts she so lovingly created. Born on May 14, 1940, in Chicago, IL, her journey through life was one filled with love, creativity, and generosity. After 5 years of treatment for metastatic breast cancer, Chris passed away peacefully at her home in Schaumburg, IL at the age of 84. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and spirited generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Chris's early professional life saw her as the personal secretary to the president of Avis Rental Car in downtown Chicago, a role that showcased her exceptional organizational skills and her natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed when she created her own craft business, Forever Friends, with her best friend Sue. This venture was not just a business, but a testament to her creativity and her commitment to building lasting relationships.
In her later years, Chris found her next calling in childcare, where she worked at Greentree. Her love for children was evident in every interaction, and her innate talent for crafting, storytelling, and teaching made her a beloved figure.
Chris was a woman of many passions, but her heart always found its greatest joy in her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald Leonard, and her loving daughters, Samantha King and Nicole Teschner, and her son-in-laws, Dave and Brad. Her granddaughters, Alissa, Emilie, Danielle, Charley, Molly, and Juniper, will remember her as the best grandma, who shared her love for creativity and cooking, leaving them with cherished memories and treasured recipes.
Though she bid farewell to her brothers, John and Bruce Wegner, and her parents, Christina and John Wegner, before her own journey ended, the stories of their shared moments continue to echo in the conversations of family gatherings.
Chris's life was a canvas of thoughtfulness as well as the embodiment of creativity. Her hands were always busy with a new project that not only brought joy into the world but also brought people together. Generosity was second nature to Chris, and she gave of herself freely, whether it was through her time, her art, her delightful culinary creations, or on occasion, through her slipping her loved ones some cash.
Chris embodied the essence of this inspiring quote by Maya Angelou: "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." Chris was indeed that rainbow, always looking to bring a little joy to others, even on their cloudiest days.
Today, as we reflect on the life of Mrs. Christine Margaret Leonard, let us not dwell on the sorrow of her departure, rather we celebrate the profound impact she made on each of us. Her life was a beautiful reminder that creativity, generosity, and thoughtfulness can indeed make the world a better place. Chris's spirit will continue to adorn the lives of those she touched, a lasting tribute to a woman whose life was full of love and kindness.