Leotta Loreen MacKenzie

Leotta Loreen MacKenzie (nee Hoegy), age 93 of Chesterfield passed away peacefully on May 15, 2020. Leotta is the beloved wife of the late Edwin Henry and a dear friend of the late Donald Jacobs. Loving mother of Ranald MacKenzie (Debbie), Bradley MacKenzie (Jo-Ellen), Gregory MacKenzie (Charlene), Cheryl Roeder (Steve) and Lisa MacKenzie. Dear grandmother of Brandon, Nicholas, Stephanie, Ryan, Eric, Meghan, Justin, Kyle & Trevor as well as 14 great-grandchildren. Leotta was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Ella Hoegy and her siblings Evelyn Kleber, Wilbur Hoegy and Lavern Hoegy. Leotta was born on her family's 50-acre homestead in Dublin, Ontario, Canada and attended a single-room schoolhouse built in 1894, until the 8'th or 9'th grade. Her father's health issues required that she leave school early to help keep the farm running. Later in life Leotta was eager to get back to school to complete her education and in 1986 she received her High School Diploma. ln the early years of WWll, she worked in a munition's factory in Galt, Ontario, Canada while also helping farm the Hoegy homestead in Dublin. She made Canada her home until 1949 when she married Edwin and they made their way south to start a new life in Detroit. She brought with her a huge and caring heart, a love of others, endless bounds of energy and a belief that nothing was more important than family and friends. With her she brought her 'green thumb' when moving to the states and her love of gardening continues today through her children & her grandchildren. She played the French Horn, the Spanish Guitar, had the voice of an angel, could harmonize with the best of them, was a practiced 'yodeler' and dabbled in painting and ceramics. Leotta was a regular member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Harrison Township. She also volunteered for 25 years at Ascension St. John Hospital in Warren. She was a Cosmetologist for over 50 years and provided hair services for many homebound clients. Leotta chose to be cremated and it is the intention of her loved ones to celebrate her life with a memorial service in her honor at a later date. "Come to Me" "God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So, he put his arms around you, and whispered "Come to Me". With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best". Amen

Leotta Loreen MacKenzie

April 4, 1927 - May 15, 2020