Barbara Lee Madden (Rumery) Leland passed away Wednesday April 7, 2021 peacefully in her home in Grass Valley, CA. She was 83 years young.
Barbara was born in Los Angeles, CA on April 16, 1937 to John and Dorice Madden. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Thomas Leland as well as their five children Brad (Betsy), Tim (Lisa), Scott (Anne), Anna, and Beth (Sue) Rumery, twelve grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, two sisters, nieces and nephews, and many godchildren.
She was married to James Rumery (1955-1973) and moved from Los Angeles to Palmer, Alaska. After Jim’s passing, the family moved back to Hermosa Beach, CA. In 1974, Barbara and the four youngest children went to Grass Valley to visit friends for “a summer vacation and never moved back.” She married Thomas Leland in 1976 and they grew devoted to each other, as parents, and grandparents.
Mom, aka Barbara, Bobbi, Bomma, was a lifelong teacher and Catechist present to many as a listener, advisor, and friend. She taught elementary school at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hermosa Beach and Mount Saint Mary’s in G.V. Her commitment to her faith led to teaching bible study and to dear friends that would remain in her life for over 40 years.
When not teaching, her love of life led to many adventures, such as picnicking in the meadows, skiing and swimming in Lake Tahoe, camping and backpacking with CYO, and travels in Europe. Her ability to make memories and fill a space with laughter was unlimited. She was a true California girl, enjoying beaches to mountains and countless road trips between.
Holidays and birthdays were times to celebrate and cherish. As most know, there wasn’t a jacket, dress, costume, or curtain she couldn’t creatively sew. Her collections of all types of yarn and fabrics were rivaled only by her affinity for books. Or roses in their natural, wild state.
She loved life. She loved God and family most. And with a stubbornness and tenacity, she wanted and tried to help, counsel, and teach the truth with all her being to persons she came in contact with. We carry on her spirit with life, love, faith and family.
May her memory be for a blessing.
A Rosary vigil will be held Thursday April 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Friday April 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Both at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Grass Valley, CA. Graveside service to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Grass Valley.
