Leanna Mae LaVene

Age, 85, of Mt. Morris, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 25, 2026. A service will take place at 1:30 pm on June 30, 2026 at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services, 1194 E. Mt. Morris Rd. Mt. Morris, MI. Chaplin Todd Regester to officiate with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Leanna’s family will be present to receive friends from 10:30 am until the time of service at 1:30 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Leanna’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Leanna Mae (Eisinger) LaVene was born on December 19, 1940, to Mr. and Mrs. John and Esther (Reynolds) Eisinger. Raised and educated in the Mt. Morris area, she graduated from Mt. Morris High School with the Class of 1958. Leanna's strong work ethic began at the age of 14 when she started working at Burns Dairy Bar during her lunch breaks from school, tending the candy counter. She later worked at the Old Fair Store on Clio Road before beginning her career at St. Joseph Hospital, where she served as an admitting clerk.

Leanna met the love of her life, Clare LaVene, and the two were united in marriage on March 14, 1959, at First Methodist Church in Mt. Morris, where they were married by Reverend Howell. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and countless cherished memories.

An avid bowler, Leanna spent many happy years on the lanes alongside her husband, mother, sister, and daughter. She and Clare also shared a love of travel, exploring northern Michigan in their motorhome, visiting family in Arizona, enjoying the excitement of Las Vegas, spending time with Clare's brother in Florida, and even making the unforgettable trip to Hawaii. Wherever their travels took them, they never passed up the chance to visit a casino or bingo hall.

Leanna found great joy in the outdoors. She especially loved autumn drives to admire the brilliant fall colors, watching birds and squirrels, and spending bow season in the woods with Clare. Although Clare hunted for more than 40 years with Leanna faithfully by his side without harvesting a deer, his first outing with their son resulted in his first successful hunt, a family story that always brought smiles.

At home, Leanna enjoyed playing cards and endless games of Yahtzee with Marty and crocheting beautiful blankets for her siblings, each one made with love and care.

Above all else, Leanna treasured her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than gathering with them and seeing their smiles. Leanna's kind heart, welcoming spirit, and genuine love for others touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and enduring love.

Left to cherish Leanna’s memory are her children, Mark (Christy) LaVene, Marta (Tom) Brink; her grandchildren, Jason (Caroline) LaVene, Jennifer Harrington, T.J. Brink, and Leah Knott; her great grandchildren, Seth, Damien, Leland, Caeden, Kaylee, Jace, Remi, Destiny, Devon, Molly, Kayson, Kinsley, and Jalynn; her sister, Janet Nations; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Leanna was preceded in death by her parents, John and Esther; her husband of 58 1/2 years, Clare; her brother, Merlin Eisinger; her sisters, Judy Walker, Myrna Duff; her brothers in-law, Bill Nations, Leon LaVene; and her grandson in-law, Geno Harrington.

A special message from Leanna: I want to thank my immediate family for all the extra things they did for me after I lost my BooBoo.

Family is the compass that guides us in life.