Thomasina E. Leafgren, age 75, of Stevens Point, WI, died on May 27, 2016 at St Joseph Hospital, Marshfield, due to a massive stroke, while surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 20, 1940 to the late Frank and Mary (Plavecki) Scalise in Braddock, PA. She was the middle child with two brothers, Charles and Joseph.

Thommye grew up in Turtle Creek, PA, attended St Colman Catholic Grade School, and graduated from Turtle Creek High School. She pursued a degree in Elementary Education at Slippery Rock State University. Thommye later received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Duquesne University.

She married Frederick Leafgren on January 28, 1967 at St Colman Catholic Church in Turtle Creek, PA. After marrying, she joined her husband, residing in Stevens Point, WI, where they raised a family.

Tommye’s teaching career began in Penn Hills, PA prior to moving to the Stevens Point, Wis. area. She taught at Howe Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids before a position opened within the Stevens Point Area Schools. She taught at Jackson, McDill and Jefferson Elementary Schools. After 52 years of dedication, and teaching approximately 1,300 children (sometimes multiple generations of students), she retired in 2014.

Tommye will be remembered for her loved teaching and her enthusiasm for the education of young children. She had a passion for molding young minds using creativity with art and music -she tailor-made her own curriculum. An outdoor puppet theater was built in her honor at Jefferson School. In her spare time she enjoyed baking, traveling, and gardening. She was also an avid collector of pig memorabilia.

Survivors include her husband, Fred; daughter, Deanna (Joshua) Kepler of St Paul, MN; brother, Joseph (Joe Carol) Scalise of Athens, GA; nieces, Kenna Jo and Nicole; nephews, Charles, Michael, and Joseph Jr.; many extend family members; and numerous friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Charles.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Holy Spirit Parish – St Stanislaus Catholic Church. A time of Visitation and Sharing of Memories will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Boston Funeral Home and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. She will be laid to rest in her family burial space in Braddock Cemetery, Braddock, PA.

Online condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.