On August 23, our beloved mother and grandmother, Janet Leonard, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and 44 years of teaching at Maplewood Elementary. She inspired generations of students by bringing science to life—taking children outdoors to discover the wonders of the natural world, creating a nature lab, and pioneering computer science at Shawnee Schools.
Janet was more than a teacher—she was a giver. She shared her time, her heart, and her generosity with students, family, and friends, never asking for anything in return.
Now, as we grieve her loss, we are faced with the difficult task of honoring her life with dignity while managing financial burdens. Our family received a funeral bill of $4,684.92 (shown in the attached photo) for her cremation, burial arrangements, and obituary. Sadly, Janet had no life insurance, and her retirement provides very little support.
In addition, we’ve found an affordable option for a companion headstone so that my mom can rest beside my dad. The cost is $549 with free shipping (photo attached). This is one of the lowest-priced options available, and the cemetery will charge a separate fee for installation.
That brings the total need to just over $5,200. I set the fundraiser goal at $4,500 originally, but as you can see, even reaching that will help us cover most of these expenses and relieve a huge burden.
At the same time, my husband Dave has been fighting for his life after weeks in intensive care with septic shock, kidney failure, and ongoing dialysis. He is unable to work, and the mounting hospital bills have left us financially overwhelmed.
We are humbly asking for help to:
• Cover Janet’s cremation and funeral expenses
• Provide a headstone so she can rest beside my dad
• Relieve some of the financial strain during this heartbreaking time
Even the smallest gift will help us reach this goal. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word.
Thank you for helping us give Janet the farewell she deserves. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can say.
With gratitude,
Pam Markley & Family