Kathleen Daigneault (Leech)

Kathleen Daigneault (Leech), age 70 passed away Saturday January 25th, 2025. Kathleen was born March 19, 1954 in Grand Rapids Michigan to James and Anna Leech. Kathleen’s love for adventure was so infectious, it made you want to drop everything and join her. Whether it was spontaneous trips with her daughters to the beach, walking through unknown trails, or exploring hidden antique shops, her enthusiasm to show her kids these new places or experiences was magnetic. She had this way of seeing every journey, big or small, as an opportunity for something exciting. Kathleen was also very creative; she could turn the simplest moments into masterpieces. Whether it was painting, writing, or just reimagining everyday objects, her mind never stopped spinning with ideas. She had this rare ability to see beauty in places most people overlooked, and she could bring the most ordinary things to life with her unique touch. It wasn’t just about the end result; it was the way she approached everything with the sense of wonder and possibility. Kathleen did daycare for many years, and she poured her heart into it. She didn’t just watch over the kids-she invested in their growth and well-being. Every day, she found new ways to make learning fun, whether it was through arts and crafts, storytelling, or even little games that taught them about teamwork and kindness. You could tell she didn’t see it as a job; it was a calling. The kids loved her, and she loved them right back, often staying connected with them as they grew older. Kathleen also coached her twin daughter’s soccer teams when they were young, and she was the kind of coach who made every practice feel like a mini adventure. It wasn’t just about teaching kids how to kick a ball or score a goal-she focused on building their confidence, teamwork, resilience, and of course that one on one time she spent with her daughters. She made sure every player felt valued, no matter their skill level, and she always found a way to make the experience fun and positive. Watching her encourage her daughters and her players, you could see how deeply she cared about their growth, not just as athletes but as kids. Kathleen’s absence will undoubtedly leave a huge space in the hearts of those who knew her, especially her children. But the love and lessons she gave them when they were young will continue to guide them. Surviving are her children, Josh (Leah) Kurlenda, Jessica (Jesse) Bultema, Katie (Tyler) Kurlenda, Monique (Tommy) Rich and Bronte (Brent) Kowalski, her nine grandchildren Chloe, Lucas, Mason, Adrianna, McGurie, Mabel, Weston, Phoebe, and Nora; brothers Jim, Erin, Milton; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Anna Leech; her brothers Shaun and Brian; her sisters Pat and Susan. A Memorial service will be held in Kathleen’s honor on Wednesday February 5, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW. Her family will receive visitors from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

Tributes

Kathleen Daigneault (Leech)

March 19, 1954 - January 25, 2025