Zeta Genevieve Kirk Leonard died November 5th. Wife of Robert P. Leonard (deceased) and mother of Stephen (Cindy), Thomas (Elizabeth), Daniel (Stella), Kathleen (Steve), Robert James (Stacey), William (Anna), John (Anita), Paul (Carol), and Sarah Zeta. Grandmother of: Nathaniel, Monica, Peter, Columbus, Jacob, Emily, Trinity, Megan, Genevieve, Noah, Connor, Juliette, Isabel, Aubrey, Robert, Mary Kathryn, Samuel, Carson, Koysta, Liam, and Hannah Zeta. Sister of: Lauretta, Mary Ann, Kathleen, Jeanette (deceased), John (deceased), Grace, Merle, Patrick (deceased), Judy. Daughter of the late Urban James Kirk and Anna Zeta Genevieve McCormick. Native of St. Paul, Oregon, born on November 15, 1929.
Zeta's life on Twin Oaks Farm in St. Paul, Oregon was abundant and set the tone for future achievements. During the depression she saved chickens from drowning and sold them. Her dad, UJ selected Zeta as his point person, during the construction of St. Paul High School and ball field, including doing the books, ordering supplies, and managing workmen. In the 1980's she and a team renovated St. Joseph School. Again in the 80's she set a plan in place to save both the Cuesta Park orchard and 44 trees, predominately redwoods, transplanted from Mtn. View Kaiser to St. Joseph School. As a young girl she could be found reading in the laundry shoot, hiding from her mother to shirk household duties. Later in life she could be found at any museum or theater from Los Angles to Ashland, OR often with Bob or a friend in tow. Under inspiration of Zeta, St. Joseph School children benefited from being the first client of the Mtn. View School of Music and Arts. Perhaps her greatest achievement was an afternoon date with Bob that extended to four days leading to 54 years of marriage, nine children and 21 grandchildren.
Zeta loved to garden and all elements of nature. She climbed six, 8000ft. + mountain peaks in one summer. She was a lover of weeds and roses. Her side of the road bouquets out riveled any fine floral arrangement. To be greeted by her and saunter through her yard on Cornelia Court, Sylvan Ave or Timber Lane left you elevated to royal status.
Her Faith could be found anywhere, with CCD kids on the carpet, under a tree near the railroads tracks, the green Chevy or the dinner table. Zeta did many small things with great love. These great achievements were seemingly effortless. She could size up any situation or person with a glance and know exactly what was needed. It will be no great exaggeration to say Zeta will be sorely missed for her love, laugh, smile and gentleness to humanity.
Visitations will begin on Thursday November15th at 5pm with Vigil Service at 7PM at Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, 96 El Camino Real W. Mtn. View. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 16 at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 582 Hope St., Mtn. View. Contributions preferred to St. Joseph the Worker Center. 4897 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022