Leonamae Cecil Obituary

Leonamae Cecil, 90, died February 10 from heart failure after injuries incurred in an automobile accident. Lee was born to Hans and Retta Mathiesen March 21, 1924 in Lincoln Nebraska. She is survived by her two sons, Daniel B. (Diana) and Douglas M. (Patty), her sister Jacy (Ben) Zinnecker, nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Bernard, her husband of almost 63 years, and her beloved great granddaughter Bailey.

After WWII and Bernie's schooling at the University of Nebraska, Bernie and Lee lived near Cincinnati, Ohio. Lee pursued her passion for dancing and the "Lee Cecil Studio of Dance" operated out of their home for over 40 years. After retirement in 1991, Bernie and Lee moved to Colorado Springs, a destination for several vacations over the years and a place they had come to love. Lee continued her dancing, teaching classes at the local Senior Center and performing with The Top Hat Strutters.

She was small but mighty; opinionated, but loving and generous. The family greatly enjoyed trips to the mountains with Grandmom. She was quick with first impressions, but she never made a hasty decision. She was younger than her years, independent, and loved being "in the know." The family often teased her with nicknames. Her favorite originated at a special breakfast at the Broadmoor for her 80th birthday; we called her "The General" and she loved it! She lived a good life, a life full of adventures and full of friends. She was blessed and a blessing.