Sources |
- [S5] Obituary.
Yakima Herald-Republic (WA) - Friday, January 11, 2008
Deceased Name: Leone Velida Ley Gamache
Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home
YAKIMA - Leone Gamache, 88, of Yakima, passed away Wednesday morning, January 9, 2008 at Lola Kay Adult Family Home.
She was born November 6, 1919 in Yakima to Henry Daniel and Estelle Velida (Rouleau) Ley, early pioneers in the Yakima Valley. Leone graduated from St. Joseph Academy, June 1936, in Yakima at the age of 16. She enrolled in the Secretarial Science Course at Whitman Business College, and mastered her subjects in record time. Because of her exceptionally fine personality and thorough work ethics, she was selected to fill the position of general secretary for the Gordon Smith Advertising Co., now known as Smith Phillips & Dipietro Advertising and Public Relations.
On January 10, 1939 Leone married Euclid William Gamache at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yakima. They were blessed in a devoted marriage for 61 years. They made their first home in Moxee, then moved to Grandview in 1941. Leone worked with Euclid in all phases of their hop farm, including the 24-hour cookhouse, payroll, bookkeeping, and working in the fields during harvest. The farming operation moved to Toppenish in 1954, where the business continued to grow.
In 1961, they moved their family to Terrace Heights while continuing to operate the Toppenish farm. As members of the Yakima Country Club, Leone enjoyed playing golf with Euclid and numerous friends. She was kept busy attending to the activities of her eight children. Traveling, camping, trips to the seashore or the mountains, and family gatherings at their log home at Twin Lakes, WA were always favorites. Her precise handwork was always in progress for someone to enjoy. In recent years, she made beautiful quilts for all her family.
Leone was a genteel lady loved by all who knew her. Woven into her graceful manner was a sense of humor, a twinkling eye, and a teasing spirit. She had a compassionate heart and loved helping others. Leone's family is grateful to all the caregivers at Englewood Heights, Lola Kay Adult Family Home, and Del and Cheryl Miles. The support of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospice and the devotion from Cindy, Kate, and Mary for mother was a comfort for her family. All the care is greatly appreciated.
Leone will be missed by her eight children and their spouses: Carol M. and Guy Loudon, Jim and Cheryl Gamache, Bernice and Bill Clem and Maryann Gamache, all of Yakima; Bob and Cris Gamache of Richland, Jo Ann Gamache of Yakima, Roger and Paula Gamache of Pasco, and Alan and Nancy Gamache of Lincoln, CA; 29 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Leone was preceded in death by her husband, Euclid; parents, Henry and Estelle Ley; her sisters, Pearl Beauchene and Shirley Rose Ley; and her brother, Earl (Bud) Ley.
Viewing will be Saturday, noon until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, noon until 4:00 p.m. at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home.
Vigil service will be held Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, January 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Moxee.
Visit www.mem.com to share a memory of Leone. Memorials may be made to the Yakima Valley Memorial Hospice or to St. Paul Cathedral School c/o Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home.
Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
|