Leona Zander

Leona (Lee) Gail (Emerson) Zander, age 86 died on July 25, surrounded by her family at home in Bellingham. 

Leona was born on Nov. 20, 1935 in Spokane to Kent T. Emerson and Julia E. (Tarbert) Emerson and lived at Old Lincoln, near Peach, Washington, close to her family’s sawmill. 

The family’s G.W. Emerson Mill helped harvest trees for the reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam and the expansion of Lake Roosevelt to the Canadian border.

In 1940, Leona’s family moved to Wilbur, Washington, where their sawmill was relocated. Leona attended school in Wilbur from grades 1-12 and graduated as valedictorian of her class. Leona loved school, singing, playing the piano, and playing the trombone in the band. As a Girl Scout, Leona had lively adventures, especially at Camp Four Echoes in Idaho. She enjoyed playing baseball and football with her brother Darryl and cousins; she was called Babe Ruth for her home runs at school recess.

Leona and her sister Carol, and brother Darryl, were close in age and had fun all being in high school at the same time. During the summers, Leona was a lifeguard and taught swimming at the Wilbur public pool.

Leona attended Whitman College on an academic scholarship for two years then transferred to Washington State University, where she both graduated and met her husband Almer (Al) Zander.

They were married Aug. 22, 1959. They both attended the University of Arizona, where she received her master’s degree in Teaching/Physical Education.

Leona worked as a high school P.E. teacher in Kennewick and Spokane, and as a substitute teacher in Whatcom County.

Leona started a preschool/daycare out of her home on the Kelly Road, which she ran successfully for nine years.

Leona enjoyed being a P.E. teacher, preschool teacher, and a mom, plus being a community helper, 4-H leader, Bible Study leader, Sunday School teacher and Child Evangelism supporter. 

Leona loved and cared for her children, grandchildren, and the children of many others over the years, providing a nurturing and fun atmosphere for them to learn and grow.

Leona and Al enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren grow up in band, dance, basketball, cross country, track, soccer, volleyball, softball, football, and baseball.

As a couple, they were fortunate to travel to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. They camped and hiked with family and took trips around the U.S. to various family reunions. 

Leona also took a post-college graduation trip to Europe before she was married. She traveled to England and Scotland at age 81, with her daughter Rebecca. She loved making quilts and Afghans for her children and grandchildren.

Most of all, Leona loved her friends and family and great silly jokes.

Leona brought so much joy into the lives of everyone around her. She was full of energy right up until the end of her life. She was strong and courageous and always up for an adventure: an outing, swim, boat ride, family gathering, or helping others in some way. Leona said, “I do look into the future (for) when I come face-to-face with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Leona and Al were married for 61 years and had five children: Alene Zander, Ann (Nick C.) Zander Hansen, Rebecca (Bob) Morrow, Duane (Jodi) Zander and Ruth (Roger W.) Zander, eight grandchildren: Zoë; Allison (Colton) and Chad; Alex, Elaina, and Jack; Kent and Ella.

Leona is also survived by her sister Carol (Curt) Jones, brother Darryl (Maxine) Emerson, beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Almer (Al) Zander, her parents, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles of the Emerson and Tarbert families.

The graveside service will be held at Moles Farewell Tributes and Cemetery, 5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m., with a reception following.

Leona’s Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. at Northside Community Church, 950 Kline Road, Bellingham, with a reception following.

Leona’s husband Al Zander, who died Oct. 8, 2020, will also be honored at this service.

Donations in Leona’s memory may be made to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. For further details or to visit Leona’s online guestbook, please visit www.molesfarewelltributes.com.