Leondra Patton-Wright, beloved wife and mother of two, passed away on April 5, 2020, at age 59, surrounded by family.
Leondra was born on October 11, 1960, in Omaha, Nebraska to Marguerite Patton (née Hill) and Leon Parker. Bright and ambitious, Leondra moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to attend Marquette University at age 16. After finishing her freshman year, she met Stanley “Wayne” Wright on July 2, 1978, and love blossomed. Following her graduation, Leondra married Wayne on July 3, 1981. Together they raised two daughters, Whitney and Loren, born in 1989 and 1994.
Leondra had a big heart. She was a devoted mother, loving, supportive, and fiercely protective, but also a cherished wife, sister, aunt, and cousin. She cared deeply about her family, and she worked hard to help them flourish. Leondra’s compassion extended beyond her family: she was also passionate about helping others. She was planning to return to volunteering after retirement, as she had tutored and mentored children when her daughters were young. She believed in early childhood education and instilled a love of learning in her own children and children throughout Milwaukee.
Though she earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and did hold finance positions throughout her life, Leondra spent most of her career in insurance. Just as volunteering allowed her to spread love beyond her family, working in insurance gave her the opportunity to touch lives in meaningful ways. For many, she was more than an insurance agent: she was an advisor and friend.
Leondra found sanctuary and took great pride in the Bayside, WI home she shared with her husband. As a nature lover and talented gardener, she spent long hours in her garden and brought life and color to every plant she grew. She also enjoyed wildlife documentaries, especially those featuring elephants, her favorite animal. She filled her home with flowers, elephant art, love, and serenity.
Leondra was smart, funny, and bold. She was always ready with a clever quip or the perfect piece of advice, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or to stand up for what was right. She could fill a room with her presence. It is hard to believe that a woman so full of life is no longer living, but she will always remain in our hearts and minds.
Leondra was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lavon “Bonnie” Patton. She is survived by her husband Wayne, her two daughters, Whitney and Loren, her sisters Henrietta “T”, Portia (Robert), Mpaji, Marguerite (Bobby), and Angela, her brothers Franchell and Albert, a large extended family including beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a number of close friends.
Due to the current health crisis, the service in Leondra’s honor will be held at a later date. Details will be shared as they are available.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any of the following organizations in honor of Leondra and the charitable giving she did throughout her life:
Service will be held privately at a later date.
Theo Braden
left a message on April 16, 2020:
Lana Moore
left a message on April 9, 2020:
Gabriel
left a message on April 7, 2020:
