Leona M. Lambert

Leona M. Lambert

Linwood, Michigan

Leona Marie Lambert went to heaven peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, January 23, 2026, at Hampton Manor of Auburn. She was born at home in Auburn on September 10, 1938, to the late Ernest and Leanore (Peltier) Vaillancourt. Although the youngest of the family, she always made a point of letting everyone know she was "not technically the youngest", as she was born minutes before her twin brother, Ernest Jr.

She graduated from Visitation High School in 1956 where she was actively involved in the school band as an accordion player. As a young woman, she shared her passion for music with others by teaching accordion lessons. A natural caregiver, she pursued a career at Midland Hospital where she worked in the Labor and Delivery unit. From there, she worked for Dr. Keyes and Dr. Chestnut of Auburn as a medical assistant until she eventually found her true calling as a stay-at-home mother and bookkeeper/secretary for her husband's construction company.

After meeting on a blind date, she married Kenneth Lambert on October 6, 1962, and settled in Linwood where they raised their family. Together, they adopted and raised two children, Dennis and Kendra. Leona was often thought of as a mom to many others, having babysat children of many friends and neighbors throughout her lifetime. One of her biggest gifts was her nurturing spirit, and many will remember her for her unconditional love for everyone who walked through her door.

When not spending time with family, Leona could often be found reading or with a sewing needle in hand, either quilting or working on other sewing projects. Both she and Ken were often considered "the life of the party" having loved to play cards and spend time with friends. She extended her warmth and generosity to others not only with her words but also her actions. From handcrafting quilts and blankets, to always baking and cooking a warm meal, or watching her beloved Detroit Tigers ballgame, her love and passion for life could be felt in everything she did.

Described as positive, joyful, and sometimes feisty to the very end, Leona was always there with a quick remark, funny joke, or story to make you smile. She will especially be remembered for her yearly Christmas cards which always contained a joke intending to bring joy to others. Her positivity was infectious; and despite numerous health challenges, she never let anything bring her down.

She is survived by her children Dennis Lambert and Kendra (Roger) Reder; three grandchildren Adison Reder, Kelsey (Jon David "JD") Chambers, and Kevin Reder; great-granddaughters Lux and Nya Chambers; and brother-in-law Francis (Ruthann) Lambert. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, Ken; siblings Gerard (Beatrice "Bea") Vaillancourt, Agnes (Raymond) Wejrowski, Rosemary

(Matthew) Ellison, Alice (Anthony "Zip") Jacobs, and Ernest Jr. (Karen) Vaillancourt, as well as her 17 in-laws and their spouses.

The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the staff at Hampton Manor of Auburn for the excellent care and comfort they provided for Leona over the last year. All of you truly made her feel like it was "home" and she enjoyed her daily chats with each and every employee.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00 am at Prince of Peace Parish in Linwood with Rev. Fr. Prentice Tipton presiding with burial at St. Anne cemetery to follow. Family will receive guests at the funeral home on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Rivertown Funeral Chapel in Kawkawlin from 2:00pm – 7:30pm with a remembrance of life service beginning at 6:30 pm. On Friday, January 30, 2026, she will lie in state from 10:00am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hampton Manor of Auburn.