Decatur Herald & Review
Joanne Patterson Leonard, 87, of Decatur, passed away at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2011, in her residence.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com. Joanne was born February 4, 1924 in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Bernard C. and Lois C. (Godwin) Patterson. She moved to Decatur at a very early age. She attended Mary W. French School, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High and graduated from Decatur High School in 1941.
She attended Millikin University in 1941-1942 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1945. She attended graduate school at the University of Illinois in 1945-1946. She married Lt. Bruce Leonard July 7, 1945 in the First Baptist Church in Decatur. Joanne was active in many organizations. She was initiated in Eta Chapter, Millikin University, and was president of Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Phi at the University of Illinois, President of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Guild, Decatur Public Hospital Board, Webster Hall Board, Family Service Board, President of Junior Welfare Association, President BC Chapter of PEO, Decatur Day Care Board, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority, Anna B. Millikin Home Board, Life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, former member of the Country Club of Decatur, Co-President Study Class, Deaconess and Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church in which she sang in the choir for fifty years, Historical and Architectural Sites Commission Board, Heritage Network, co-recipient with her husband of the Historical and Architectural Sites Commission Arthur Ploeger Award for historic preservation, volunteer and life member of the Governor Oglesby Mansion and a member of the Millikin University Investors Society.
Surviving are her husband: Bruce of Decatur, daughters: Jane Bussing and her companion Robert Kobylarz of Springfield, Julia Dethrow and her husband Bill of Springfield, and Susan Six and her husband Danny of Decatur; grandchildren: Brian Bussing and his wife Dana, Katherine Bussing, Anna Bussing, Tristen Six and Jacob Six; great-granddaughter: Leah Bussing; sister: Marybelle Snyder of Orlando, FL special cousin: Betty Watkins of Decatur and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jack Patterson.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, or Governor Oglesby Mansion, or the Homeward Bound Pet Shelter.