Leanne Happe

May 2, 1959 - June 17, 2021

Leanne Happe passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at her home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. Leanne was born May 2, 1959 in Evansville, IN. She worked for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. for more than 20 years as a Territory Sales Rep. After retiring from B & W she worked many years for Westside Catholic School. At Westside Catholic she cooked and served lunches, but will be mostly remembered as an adored co-worker, and a well-loved “lunch lady” by the students. Leanne grew up around horses, taking every opportunity to ride and care for them. In her late teens she became a groom at Ellis Park, where she was soon introduced to her second passion: photography. Under the tutelage of the track photographer, Leanne sharpened her skills, and throughout her life she photographed 25 Kentucky Derbies and various other high stakes horse races. Trail riding her own horses with family and friends, along with thoroughbred horse racing, were past times that she enjoyed her entire life. Leanne also loved to travel, having visited New York City with friends and family dozens of times over the years. She was always the unofficial tour guide and knew the city as if it were her home town. Leanne also enjoyed the beaches of Florida, Alabama and North Carolina, and had visited much of Europe as well. As full and busy as her life was, Leanne always made time to volunteer. She donated countless hours to Westside Catholic School, having baked cookies and fried pronto pups for the Fall Festival year after year. Leanne also played a key role in the WCS Back-To-School Backpack and Christmas Angel Tree programs. At St. Boniface Parish Leanne managed and worked a Summer Social Booth for decades, and worked alongside her husband in various other volunteer endeavors. Outside of the school and parish, Leanne and her husband warmly welcomed and hosted hundreds of friends at their Lake Barkley home over the last 20-plus years. Guests were always treated to her fabulous cooking, but especially her cobbler and homemade ice cream. From their lake home, to school and church, to everyday life, Leanne will be fondly remembered for her kindness and generosity, which knew no bounds. She gave of her time, talent and resources with warmth, and a unique sense of humor. Leanne had a sincere servant’s heart and will be missed for years to come. Surviving are her husband of 27 years, Jeff; two daughters, Maddie (Nick) Will and Betsy Happe, both of Evansville; mother, Helen Williams of Paducah, KY; brothers, Mike (Angie) Baker, Jeff Baker, and Jamie Cox, all of Paducah, KY; sister, Keri (Jason) Vaughn, also of Paducah, KY. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends. Leanne was preceded in death by grandparents, Virginia and Ed Williams; and a brother, Kevin Kreel. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 21, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 until 7:00 PM on Sunday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service conducted by the church at 6:00 PM. Friends may also visit with the family from 9:00 AM until service time on Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2701 W. Franklin Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westside Catholic School’s General Fund, or the Leanne Happe Endowment for Westside Catholic School, both at 1626 Glendale Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.