Leanne Tongen, age 50, of Princeton died September 11, 2021 at home. A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 18th at the old Spencer Brook Church, 6823 – 305th Lane NW in Princeton 55371.
Patricia Leanne Tongen was born to Judy and Bill Graham on August 18, 1971 at Grace Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.
Leanne grew up in Constance Bay, Ontario and attended Torbolton Public School for grades 1 thru 6, Gowling Middle School for grades 7 and 8 and Woodroof High School. Leanne Moved to the United States in 1994 moved to Lakeville Minnesota in 1996 and she had Married Jerry Tongen in 1999. Leanne and Jerry moved to Princeton, Minnesota in 2008 where she worked at the Loring Pasta Bar and Varsity Theatre as a book keeper in Minneapolis until 2016. In 2019 Leanne was diagnosed with tongue and throat cancer and fought it until she eventually succumbed to the disease.
Leanne is survived by 2 children, Salesse Tongen, Riely Tongen; and her husband, Jerry Tongen all from Princeton, MN; father, Bill Graham of Elliot Lake Ontario, Canada; mother, Judy Dare of Brockville Ontario, Canada.
She was preceded in death by her uncle, Peter Graham; her mother in law, Sharon Anderson; and her sister in law, Cherree Tongen.
Thoughts & prayers for you & your family. Friends of your dads Jerry!
Jerry,
Sending hugs, and prayers for healing.
to you, the kids, and Family.
We will Always remember Leann with her big smile, whenever we seen her, and Leann Always wanting a Hug !!❤
We are so sorry Jerry
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Leanne was very special to the Hooper family, she was our God Daughter and my surrogate little girl. Her Mom Judy has been my best friend for 60 years.
We watched Leanne grow up to be a beautiful young woman who had the biggest heart. She loved all animals and I remember always had a cat or dog growing up and always sitting on her lap.
She was one of the most courageous woman I have ever known and we will always remember her
with great love.
Sincerely
Dave, Colleen, Craig and Brett.
So sorry for your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers 🙏.
Words can not express the pain and sadness you all are feeling now. My thoughts are with all of you. So sorry for your loss. She’s amazing!
She was an amazing woman; a big smile & a force to be reckoned with! People took notice when she entered a room… She will be missed- though never forgotten. So sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine….
Jerry, Salesse & Riely, we are so very sorry to hear this news about Leanne. She was such an awesome and hard working woman and so full of love for all of you. Your entire family is in our prayers.
Love,
Heather, Colby, Henry and Ruthie Brown
I knew Leanne in the mid 80’s while attending high school. A few years younger, she was my friend Todd’s little sister, and by proxy, became all of his friend’s little sister also.
Leanne was always so full of life and spirit. When she smiled or laughed, Leanne lit up the room. I can see that same look in pictures of her children and am comforted now by that familiarity.
My deepest condolences to Leanne’s family and friends. Gone far too soon, but will never be forgotten.
Rest well Leanne ❤️
Peter & Ann
I loved this gal so much. What a wonderful picture of her! My deepest condolences to Judy, Jerry, Salesse, Riely, Bill, Todd, the whole family, and really anyone that ever met her. She was a bright, shining light and her smile was unforgettable. Rest well, sweet lady xoxo
I have known Leanne my entire life, she is my family but was also one of my best friends.
We used to stay up late as little girls goofing around and giggling until my Uncle Billy would threaten to seperate us, as teens we would stay up late gossiping, laughing and talking about life.
Eventually she made her way to the US and her forever life with her beautiful family. I have never lost touch and she is still in my heart….always.
The love that people have for her is overwhelming and brings absolute joy to me, knowing that she brought the same joy to others that I have known my whole life is so comforting. Not only was she loved by so many, she loved so many in return. I always wanted her back here in Canada but she found her home in Minnesota, she found her family and her peace.
All my love to Jerry, Salesse, Riley, Uncle Billy, Aunt Judy, Todd and to all the beautiful souls that loved her so fiercely.
Rest easy my beautiful cousin/friend
Leanne was my best friend growing up. I can’t imagine a world without her in it.
My deepest condolences to Jerry, Salesse, Riley, Judy, Bill, and Todd and to all those who knew and loved her.
Rest well sweet Lee❤️
Leelee…. I’m so sad to hear of your passing. I will always cherish 20 years of friendship even though we never got to meet in person. Forever your JoJoBean. Gosh. I’m speechless. Fly free, my friend. Much love to Salesse, Riely and Jerry.