Leona Easter Inglima

Leona Easter Inglima

March 27, 1932 - April 17, 2024

Pasco, Washington - Leona Easter Inglima

March 27, 1932 - April 17, 2024.

Leona Easter (Cusenza) Inglima, aged 92, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home in the early morning hours of April 17, 2024, following a life full of love, family and faith. Leona had a vibrant, grand, sparkling personality. And while her time on earth was not without sorrow, she chose to greet each day with happiness and she shared her light with all she met.

Leona was born on Easter Sunday in Monterey, California, the sixth child of Italian immigrants, Joseph & Giovanna Cusenza. She attended school in Monterey and Ceres, California, graduating in 1949.

During her senior year in high school, Leona met the love of her life Nathan (Nate) Inglima. They were married June 11, 1950, and she became a proud and active farm wife on "the ranch" in Modesto, California. She and Nate raised peaches and other orchard and row crops while also nurturing and raising their five sons: Joseph, Nathan, Leonard, Michael and James. Then, in 1972, the Inglima family moved to Pasco, Washington where they began an entirely new farming adventure specializing in Alfalfa hay and a few other crops.

Leona was a strong believer and actively engaged with her faith community at both the Saint Paul Catholic Church in Eltopia, and Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Pasco. Her faith was truly her super power-she was prayerful, devout, and radiated Christ's love to all she met.

She participated in PTA and other service organizations, and supported her children and grandchildren as they participated in a myriad of sports, 4H clubs, FFA, and other activities. In 1995, she was named "Queen for a Day" by the Kiwanis Club of Pasco in recognition of her leadership and commitment to Franklin County agriculture. She also volunteered for 33-years with the Lourdes Hospital Auxiliary and was chosen by her peers as their "2009 Volunteer of the Year" for her outstanding service and the generous investment of her time and many talents.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Leona was grandmother to five, and great-grandmother (Nonni) to fifteen. She also served as "neighborhood grandma" to many others. She had a beautiful smile and a vivacious, joyful spirit. And she knew no strangers-just people she wasn't friends with yet.

She was articulate, well read, and an expressive writer; and was always ready to serve as an emcee or address an audience. She loved gathering with family and friends for a meal. She was a wonderful hostess and a fabulous cook-her pasta sauce was the very best and her "cold room" full of Christmas cookies is legendary. She had a keen mind and until recently did crossword puzzles in pen. In retirement she delighted in her patio garden, feeding the birds, enjoying the menagerie of critters that often visited her backyard, and spending time with Judy Stolper who was truly her sister at heart.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan, and son, James Mathew Inglima; parents, Joseph and Giovanna Cusenza; and brothers, Leonardo [Leo] (Rose) Cusenza, Frank (Violet) Cusenza, Jasper [Gus] (Evelyn) Cusenza, Paul Cusenza, and Anthony [Tony] (Phyllis) Cusenza.

She is survived by her sons, Joseph (Marlinda) Inglima, Nathan (Dannella) Inglima, Leonard (Marlene) Inglima, and Michael (Tana) Inglima; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at Ciel Senior Living in Kennewick where she resided the past eighteen months, and the medical team at Trios Hospital for the exceptional, compassionate care they provided in her final days.

A Viewing & Rosary Service will take place Monday, April 29, 2024; with viewing from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.-and the Rosary at 6 p.m. at Mueller/Greenlee Funeral Home: 1608 W. Court Street, Pasco, Washington.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church: 1320 W. Henry Street, Pasco; followed by a graveside service at City View Cemetery: 1300 N. Oregon Avenue, Pasco.

The family invites you to sign their online guest book at MuellersFuneralHomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy at tccbestlife.org.