Kay M. Leberman

Kay M. Leberman, 82, longtime Ellensburg resident, passed away at her home on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Kay will be cremated and remain with her family until her ashes can be scattered at her favorite picnic spot after the pandemic.

Kay was born May 18, 1938 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Donald Bruce Donaldson and his wife, Alvena Wilhemina. Kay is survived by her son Kerry Sean Leberman; her daughter Robin Leberman; and her husband Terry Leberman.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Ann, who lived in Arkansas.

Kay’s life was devoted to her family, God, children and teaching. She taught school for three years in Wisconsin, seven years at the CWU Pre-School in the psychology building and almost 30 years at Satus and Camas Elementary Schools in Wapato, Washington. Kay was proud when the Wapato Superintendent wrote of her teaching - “Finest teacher and special educator I have had the privilege to observe and have as a staff member.”

Growing up, Kay hiked, fished and camped with her sister and parents. Kay met the love of her life, Terry Leberman, in college and continued to love him throughout the chaos of life. Kay enjoyed many simple pleasures and survived many heartaches. Later in life, she wrote poetry to try to make sense of everything. She was truly a person who endured. Throughout the pain of personal separations, receiving death threats at work, the hardship of daily commuting and raising strong-willed children to adulthood, she continued to grow as a beacon of love.

Kay’s legacy was the personal family she cherished, her loyal friends and the classrooms of learners, readers, and students she taught. She was proud to see her classroom children read, learn, and change their behavior because of her hard work and care at teaching.

Memorials in Kay’s honor are suggested in the form of buying and donating a book to your local library.  You may also honor Kay ‘s memory with things she loved including enjoying a cup of mint tea, buying yourself a bouquet of daisies, enjoy some strawberries or go square dancing.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Kay’s family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com