Obituary of Leona M. Klejnot
Leona M. Klejnot (Zelkan), 92, of Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on March 3, 2024. Until the end, Leona maintained the kind, compassionate, and independent nature that were the hallmarks of her long life.
Born in Somerset Junction, Maine, she attended Brownville Junction schools, graduating in 1949. Excited to move to Portland upon graduation, Leona spent many years managing the Strand and Empire theaters on Congress Street, where she was well-loved by employees and moviegoers alike, often making lifelong friends.
Leona was an extraordinary friend. Time spent visiting, baking, sharing holiday treats, and hosting celebrations were important, and she made each friend feel special. Leona was an avid reader, knitter, lover of animals, the beach, and shoes. Always a book or knitting needles in hand; if she wasn’t reading her favorite authors, she was knitting a baby afghan for a new little one. Many cat friends made their way to her front door, where they were fed, and many times adopted. Ocean Park, Maine, was her special place; the days spent there with family and friends are forever etched in our hearts. And then there were the shoes. Downtown Congress Street shoe stores had a loyal friend in Leona. Always stylish, her shoe collection represented several decades of style that reflected her timeless elegance and grace.
Leona was predeceased by her husband of almost 40 years, Andrew J. Klejnot; her parents Lewis and Aldea Zelkan; her brother Joseph “Buddy” Zelkan and his wife Virginia. She is survived by daughter Julianna and husband Stuart Fishman of California; daughter Catherine and husband Toby St. Pierre; granddaughter Catherine and husband Tyler Hadyniak; granddaughter Emma and husband Daniel Galante; great-granddaughter Sophia Hadyniak; and great-grandson Louis Galante, all of Maine. Leona also left behind six nieces and nephews and close friends who held a special place in her heart.
A celebration of life will be held 11 AM, Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Westin Portland Harborview, 157 High St, Portland. Messages and memories may be shared with her family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leona Klejnot, please visit Tribute StoreCelebration of Life
In Loving Memory
Leona Klejnot
1931 - 2024
We affirm our "connectedness" to our community through civic involvement, religious faith, and support of children and family organizations and functions. We maintain a professional relationship with area funeral homes in order to maintain flexibility and to offer a higher level of service.
- Kiley Funeral Home
Brewer Location
69 State Street
Brewer, ME
04412
Tel: (207) 989-3311
Fax: (207) 989-3337
Email: info@kileyandfoley.com
Map
Bangor Location
299 Union Street
Bangor, ME
04401
Tel: (207) 942-0392
Fax: (207) 989-3337
Email: info@kileyandfoley.com
Map
Quick Links
- About Us
- Funeral Planning
- Pre-Planning
- Local Resources
- FAQ