Leona May (Szymkowski) Pearce

Leona May Pearce, 84, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Thursday, September 19, 2019.

Leona was born July 23, 1935, in Michigan City, Indiana to James and Katherine (Novak) Szymkowski.

On November 30, 1954, in Michigan City, Indiana Leona married Melvin Pearce who preceded her in death on December 19, 1989.

Leona was a beloved mother and wife and was a quality inspector at Crown Electronics in Elkhart, Indiana. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in La Porte and graduated from Michigan City Elston High School.

Leona is survived by three sons, Steven Michael Pearce, Randall Michael Pearce, and Joseph Michael Pearce; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister, Eleanor Benninghoff; and a brother, Raymond Szymkowski.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter, Barbara Ann Pearce; a sister, Barbara Walls, and four brothers.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2019 at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A Parish Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C Street, La Porte, Indiana.  Reverend Ian Williams will officiate.  Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana. A luncheon will be at St. Joseph Parish following the burial.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Parish or the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E 91st St #100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. 

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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