Leona Lee Kaufman-Larson
Obituary
We are grieving the loss of Leona (Lee) Kaufman-Larson, PhD who passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024 . As were most of her days, her final hours were filled with visits from loved ones, cherished stories, and heartfelt laughter. Leona succumbed to the last stages of her body shutting down after 90 well-lived years. Like most of what she did, Leona’s death was on her terms. Her final gift to us was departing with a sound mind and full memory.
Leona was born on June 18, 1934 to Lucille and Rudolph Elsner. Her siblings are Colleen Anderson (Franklin), and half-brother, Chester Elsner (deceased). She graduated from West Seattle High School, and the University of Washington, and later went on to receive a double PhD in special education from University of Phoenix. A fierce advocate for education and mentorship, Lee enjoyed a decades-long career as a dedicated teacher, leaving a lasting impact on countless students.
Leona married Clyde P. Dalrymple in 1957, with whom she had her two children, Lisa (Mullay) and Glen. In 1986 Lee and Harvard Kaufman were wed and began 10 fun-loving years together until he passed away from Parkinson’s Disease in 1996. A bit of fate and one unruly dog brought Lee and Robert (Bob) Larson together on a sunny afternoon; they were later married in 2002.
Leona is survived by her husband, Bob Larson, her daughter Lisa Mullay (Mike) and their daughter Megan, her son Glen Dalrymple (Becky) and their son Stuart, her sister Colleen Anderson (Franklin), their daughters Erika Anderson and Erleen Anderson (Mark), and other cherished family including: Fawzi Belal, Clarence Caupain, Jolee Cook, Megan Cook, Kelly Davis, Maya Damgaard, Kara Hooker, Ryan Hooker, and Robie Larson (Main).
Leona was a multifaceted force of love, generosity, and influence. She was articulate, vibrant, and full of boundless energy. Leona was a storyteller who made you laugh, made you think, then made you laugh again. She loved books, swimming, music, gardening, and gathering people together. Leona had a special way with children and a magical touch with dogs. Leona played the violin in the Seattle Youth Symphony and sang loudly any time and place she wanted. She took every opportunity to live her values. Leona was a Christian who cherished community fellowship and co-founded the Normandy Park United Church of Christ.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating her life alongside family and loved ones at Normandy Park United Church of Christ on Saturday, February 1st at 2:00 PM. To make the gathering special, we encourage you to bring a light bite or dessert to share.
We would also love your help with the celebration slideshow. If you have a photo or two you’d like to include, please email them to LeonaEDKL@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a memorial bench fund in her honor via this webpage: www.bit.ly/LeonaMemorial. Any additional funds raised will be donated to a charity close to Lee’s heart.
