Paula Leavey

Paula Jean Leavey, age 80, of Traverse City, met her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Paula was a good and faithful servant of the Lord who led by example her whole life. Family meant everything to her. She became a mother figure to her younger siblings at the age of 12 and took care of them without complaint. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was on the council of Catholic women. She served on the board at Oakwood Cemetery, Catholic section. She was nominated “Woman of the Year” at St. Patrick Catholic Church in 2014 and 2015. Paula enjoyed being part of a Bunko Club that has been running for 54+ years! She volunteered to help serve Eucharist to shut-ins and helped with funeral luncheons by organizing volunteers and meals. Paula spent her working years in the medical field, retiring in 2011 as an office manager for a doctor's office. Even when Paula was in assisted living, she shared God’s light by creating meaningful relationships and taking care of others. She is survived by her children, John Adams, Amy (Paul) Elloian, Becky (Jerry) Stites; stepsons, Scott Leavey, William Leavey; 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; siblings, David Jankowiak, LuAnne (Dan) Lautner, Chris (Doug) Baudoux; stepbrothers, Bob (Laurie) Bomer, and George (Rose) Bomer: several nieces, nephews and cousins. Paula was twice widowed by her husbands, Stanley Adams and John Leavey. Paula was preceded in death by her son, Joseph “Joey” Adams; parents, Paul Jankowiak & Virginia Tiffany; stepmother, Beatrice Jankowiak; stepbrother, Jim (Dee) Bomer, and stepsister, Sandy Bomer. A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City. A Rosary will be said at 5:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 630 S. West Silver Lake Road, Traverse City. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the church. Burial will be at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions in Paula’s honor may be given to the St. Patrick Catholic Church Food Pantry. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Paula Leavey

July 3, 1945 - March 31, 2026