Obituary: Leona Margaret Borchers

September 20, 1929 ~ January 20, 2022

Leona Margaret Phifer Borchers, 92, of Washington Island, WI, died at her home on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

She was born in Seattle, Washington, on September 20, 1929, the daughter of late Lyman D. Phifer and Mary Margaret (Wentworth) Phifer. She was raised in Friday Harbor, Washington, with her four siblings, graduated from Friday Harbor High School, and attended Washington State University. She married Curtis E. Borchers on June 11, 1950. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics at Iowa State University in 1952. She was a stay-at-home parent until she later became an interpreter for the deaf at a high school. The family lived in Evanston, Illinois from 1967-1986. Leona and Curt then built and moved to their retirement home on Washington Island.

Leona had beautiful blue eyes, a sharp sense of humor, and compassion for anyone who needed her help – person or animal. She was very creative and enjoyed a wide variety of activities and people. Her kindness and compassion for people were always apparent. She enjoyed gardening, reading, hiking, sewing, quilting, knitting, weaving, fishing, music, and dancing. She was an excellent baker and cook. She was engaged in many community activities. She was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Washington Island Women’s Club, participated in Senior Luncheons and Mosling Recreation Center activities, enjoyed Square Dancing, and took classes at Sievers School of Fiber Arts. Leona was a member of the Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. She loved the outdoors, and the family spent many vacations camping in the U.S. National Parks and Forests. Her biggest joys were when family or friends gathered, and she could provide food for everyone.

She will be missed by her children, Deborah J. Creagh (Mike), Barbara J. Willhite, Brad A. Borchers (Aya), Christine J. Borchers, and Charles A. Borchers; her grandchildren, Katherine E. Denny (Michael), Theodore J. Creagh (Autumn), Daniel C. M. Creagh (Keriann), Jerimiah E. Willhite (Nana Li), A. Grace Gallagher (Thomas), and M. Sophia Borchers; and her great-grandchildren, Theodore Creagh, Summer Creagh, August Gallagher, Samuel Denny, Sloane Creagh, and Murphy Gallagher. She is also survived by her sister, D. May Phifer, and seven nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Curtis E. Borchers; son, Duncan A. Borchers; sisters, Ann Phifer Schulz and Claire Phifer; brother, David Phifer; and brothers-in-law, Robert Borchers and Donald Borchers.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for all the care and assistance from Brenda Cornell, Washington Island Community Health Program, and Unity Hospice. We are so grateful for the help from the friends and neighbors Leona loved and enjoyed over the years.

There is no memorial service.

Gifts in memory of Leona may be sent to Washington Island Library, Washington Island Fire Department, Washington Island Farm Museum, Washington Island Maritime Museum, or Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Wisconsin.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sister Bay is assisting the Borchers family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Leona may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.