A Life of Love

Leone Boyle Obituary

9/30/1928 - 10/20/2021

In a life defined by family, adventure, service, music, and animals, above all Leone Boyle’s legacy is the unquenchable love she both gave and received from all who knew her. Despite her indomitable spirit, she finally rejoined her daughter Kerry on October 20th, 2021, after a long struggle with the ravages of age. A pillar of strength throughout her life, she was a remarkable woman -- raising four kids (not to mention a host of grandkids, nieces, nephews, and godchildren), managing farm livestock, receiving her Bachelor's degree in her forties, teaching in Japan, serving as a Richmond Juvenile Probation Officer and as a docent for Lindsay Wildlife Museum and Old Borges Ranch, and outliving three husbands! But above all her life was defined by her boundless love for her family, her community, and for life itself.

Leone was born in Chicago to Dutch immigrant parents, and due to the war graduated early, at 16, in 1944 from Saint Willabroad Catholic School. She immediately went to work while continuing her education, and as a talented singer and piano player would perform at weddings as she attended DuPaul University. It was there she met the first great love of her life, Ross Smith, a returning WWII navy veteran. They were married on Easter Sunday, 1947, and for a time lived with Ross’ family on the south side of Chicago, where they had their daughters Michele and Kerry. Then their spirit of adventure moved them across the country to California, where Ross accepted teaching positions first in Indio, and then in San Jose, and where their third child, Ross Jr. (Bud) was born. Finally, in 1955, they moved to Walnut Creek and established the family homestead on a rustic 2-acre “farm” on Castle Rock Road, where Leone lived for over 40 years, and where Matthew was born. But despite raising a family and managing the sheep, goats, and cattle, Leone went on to finish her degree (started all those years ago) at Cal State Hayward, and then taking a two-year stint with the family in Japan, where Leone taught elementary science at the American School in Japan.

Then tragedy struck the family as Leone’s beloved Kerry was struck down, and the family, strong as it was, was torn asunder by the grief and pain of the loss. And though they never stopped loving each other, after a long struggle Leone and Ross separated, and both moved on to rebuild their shattered lives, albeit in different ways. Leone chose to stay in the sanctuary of her beloved Castle Rock, now as a single parent, and where she remained a fierce advocate to keep her struggling family together. It was a dark time, but nowhere did her strength and love shine brighter than during those trying days. And then heaven sent reinforcements in the form of a wonderful new companion for her, a 6’7” Richmond Police Lieutenant, Richard “Pat” Boyle. Pat became the second great love of her life, embracing her family and eventually coming to live at Castle Rock himself, which he loved and poured endless hours of landscaping, gardening, and tending to their animals, and where some of his own children eventually came to live.

But as renewed love in her life helped Leone heal, it also rejuvenated her adventurous spirit, and with that she passed Castle Rock onto her family, and she and Pat moved first to Healdsburg, and then on to fulfill her life-long desire to live by  the ocean, in Fort Bragg, CA. But she wanted to be closer to her kids and family, so she and Pat moved yet again, back to Healdsburg and where, after over 25 years of a wonderful marriage, Pat passed away. And so Leone moved yet again, to Cloverdale, to be closer to her kids. And it was there that fortune smiled upon her again, through her senior support program, at the youthful age of 75, she met the third love of her life, Rod Linhares, a retired school administrator from Pacifica. For five years they found happiness together, and blessed by Father Deveraux they moved first to Walnut Creek, and then to Antioch. Sadly, in 2016 Rod developed serious health problems and soon thereafter passed away. So Leone once again moved back to Walnut Creek, to again be closer to her family. She eventually ended up at The Kensington, with her beloved dog Jackie, and where she became a 91-year old Welcome Ambassador who worked out daily, and often played piano and sang in impromptu concerts for her fellow residents.

Then, in the spring of 2020, as COVID closed its grip, Leone moved to escape the virus to Port Orford, Oregon, with her daughter Michele and son-in-law Bob. Sadly, it was there she had her third and most serious fall, requiring her to be airlifted to Portland. The surgeons indicated that without immediate brain surgery, she would not survive the night, but Leone was adamant that she not receive heroic medical intervention and so refused medical intervention. And her tough body and spirit rose to the challenge, getting her not only through the night, but through an additional two years of life. But the damage was done, and Leone struggled with the complications of her head injuries, which ultimately led to frailty and dementia -- an ironic coda to her vibrant and adventurous life.

But at the end, Leone was surrounded by family, friends, music, and love, even receiving a final visit from her beloved best friend and erstwhile sister-in-law, Patricia -- a fitting farewell for her final move, this one onto her eternal rest, where she will finally be reunited with her beloved Kerry. And in so doing she leaves us a world that was graced by her presence, and is a far better place for her having been part of it. 

Details about her Celebration of Life will be forthcoming from the family. Until then, keep her in your hearts, and for those who choose to make a donation in her name, donate to her wildlife favorites, The Lindsey Experience or the Old Borges Ranch. Or just pet a dog, sing a favorite tune, or perform an act of kindness, all of which bespeaks her legacy and would make her smile. So until we meet again, Leone, look over us and continue to guide us with your love. You will always be in our hearts.