Leona Greene

Leona Elma Greene, beloved Grammie and Mom, passed away in her home on Sunday, December 10th after a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was born on January 2nd, 1939 to Albert and Lola( Wolf) Peterson. She grew up on the Family Farm on Highway 20 when it was still a two lane road. She attended primary school on Comly Road, which she walked to most days. In 1956, she graduated from Pecatonica High School as Class Salutatorian. She had many fond memories of her childhood and school days.
She attended Augustana College and graduated from Swedish American School of Nursing. Upon graduating, she worked in the ER at Swedish American Hospital helping many people. This is included the victims of the Belvedere tornado of 1967. Leona was a long term employee of River Bluff Nursing Home. She held many positions and retired from there at Director of Nursing. Her journey in nursing continued as a State Inspector of Care homes for the State of Illinois. She was a long time Volunteer for Pecatonica Community as EMT and paramedic and Winnebago County Fair. She also taught classes at Rock Valley College. She was a loving single mother for many years to 4 Children.

Leona married Paul Joseph Greene on November 26, 1960 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua,Iowa. They had four children together before he proceeded her in death in 1977. She then met her long time companion, Roland Carl Hamburg. They enjoyed many years of traveling and fishing together. Roland proceeded her in death in 2003. As a member of quilt, card and Merry Widows club she had great joy in sewing, quilting, cross stitching, card playing. Her hands were always busy with canning, gardening, making treasures for her children and grandchildren. Leona was an avid sports fan and regularly attended her Children’s and Grandchildren's sporting events. Volleyball, football, softball and basketball games you could find her cheering on her family. She was truly one of a kind and “Grammie”to all.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Greene (1977), Roland Hamburg (2003), infant sister Eleanor Jean Peterson (1936) and her parents.

She is survived by her four children, Pam Greene (Really), Cindy Greene (Lauren), Roger Greene(Kimberly) and Scott Greene (Tiffany). Grandchildren Max, Noble (Bert), Rhyse, Eve (Dominic), Julia, Kiley (Austin), Haley (Hannah), Allie (Charles), Jarrett(Aaliyah), Erin (Kody).Great Grandchildren Liam, Madden and Sienna. She also is survived by many dear friends.

There will be a celebration of life on January 6th, 2024 at First Lutheran Church of Pecatonica at 11am. A private service will be held at Twelve Mile Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leona’s name to Pecatonica Ambulance.