Leone G. Hanscom

Leone G. Hanscom September 3, 1933 -September 20, 2017 Leone G. (Lee) Hanscom, 84, of St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 20th, 2017, at Suncoast Hospice Care Center Mid-Pinellas with her daughter by her side. Lee was preceded in death by her husband Theodore (Ted), parents William and Inez Wilhelmson, sister-in-law Priscilla Krimm, brother-in-law Robert Krimm, and sister-in-law Lois Wilhelmson. Lee is survived by her daughter, Carol Hanscom Kaczmarek; son-in-law Tom Kaczmarek; brother James Wilhelmson; nieces Robin Krimm (John Strauss), Noelle Krimm, and Connie Cotter (Matthew); and nephew Paul Wilhelmson (Julie). In addition, Lee is great-aunt to Lily and Jack Benjamin, and Tyler and Logan Wilhelmson. Lee was the second of two children, born Sept. 3, 1933, to William and Inez Wilhelmson (Storlie) in Spring Grove, MN. She and her brother, James, grew up on the family farm. She attended Spring Grove Public School and was active in 4-H, winning many awards for her baking. After graduation, Lee's first job was school secretary at Spring Grove Public School for several years. She then took a number of other secretarial positions, eventually moving to Minneapolis, MN, where she worked at the University of Minnesota. Through friends, Lee met Theodore (Ted) Hanscom, who was a student at UMN at the time. Six weeks later, they were engaged, and they married on Sept. 6, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. Throughout their life together, Ted and Lee always joked that he married her because he was a poor college student, and she had a job and a car. The Hanscoms resided in Minneapolis for several years and then moved to FL after their daughter was born. Lee worked as a secretary and office assistant at Lealman Elementary School in St. Petersburg, before beginning a long career as an administrative assistant at Jack Eckerd Corporation in Largo, FL. She continued to rise in prominence and responsibility in the company, and eventually became the executive assistant to the CEO. Lee was a member of the former Garden of Peace Lutheran Church for several years, and when that church merged with another, she suggested the name of Paradise Lutheran Church, which the congregation heartily approved. Her activities at PLC included membership in the chancel choir, serving a term on the church council, financial secretary, and membership in the Women of ELCA. In addition, she was also a member of the Pastoral Care Team of St. Anthony's Hospital, and served as a pastoral visitor for 3 years. Lee also served as secretary of the former Elles Belles Investment Club. Lee became a member of St. Vincent's Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg several years ago, where she was active in the Bible study group and enjoyed the services and fellowship. Above all, Lee loved her family and many close friends who she considered as family. She enjoyed reading, traveling, dining out, and celebrating birthdays and holidays. Lee was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, widely known for her strong faith, kind heart, and generous nature. Her loving spirit is now free. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Suncoast Hospice Care Center Mid-Pinellas for their compassion and kindness. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 11AM on Saturday, Oct. 28th, 2017, at St. Vincent's Episcopal Church, 5441 9th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Father Alex Andujar will officiate, and Pastor Tom Mitchell of Paradise Lutheran Church will assist. A brief reception in the parish hall will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, St. Vincent's Episcopal Church, or Lutheran World Relief.