Leona Doris Bemke passed away Nov. 1, All Saints Day, from complications of dementia. She was born April 3, 1934, in Detroit, the youngest of nine children. Leona’s mother, Louise, married August Biange. Together, they had eight children. When August died, Louise married his best friend, John Bemke, and soon Leona arrived. Her father died when she was five.

Leona was the only one of her siblings able to finish school. Her older brothers and sisters quit school to help support the family. Leona attended Felician Academy, graduating in 1953. She was class treasurer.  Leona lived in Detroit and took care of her mother until her mother’s death in 1964. In 1970, she moved to Warren with her friend, Shirley.

Leona worked for The Michigan Catholic Newspaper for 45 years in the circulation department. She loved her job and made many friends at work and the customers whom she talked to daily.

Leona had a big heart. She was part of everyone’s family. She never married, but had many godchildren and nieces and nephews. She also shared life with many friends, going to Communions, confirmations, baptisms, parties and dinners. Leona loved to eat and play her harmonica.

Leona also had a great love for animals and would often feed the stray dogs by her office at The Michigan Catholic in Detroit. Her last Labrador retriever, Baron, was the love of her life. She shared everything with him; he lived like a king. Anyone would have traded places with him.

During the last few years of Leona’s life, she battled with dementia. Leona moved to the Medilodge Nursing Home in Rochester, where she was well taken care of and loved by the staff — always smiling. Leona will be missed.

Leona is survived by her dear sister-in-law Helen Biange, loving sister of the late Alexander Biange, Elsie Bresso, Edward Biange, Harry Biange and Dorothy Pascoe. Her siblings Margaret, Leonard and Norman died when they were toddlers.

A funeral service was held for Leona at St. Blase Parish, Sterling Heights, on Nov. 7.