"Roman, we are so sorry to hear about the sad news of the loss of your mother. She was such a vibrant person, and clearly loved you so very much. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time, and we hope that memories will bring you comfort as you grieve. "
In loving memory of
Kristin D. Muma Leclercq
March 23, 2013
Kristin Muma Leclercq, 58, died on Saturday, March 23, 2013, after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in January 2012. She was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and moved to Madison in 1967 with her mother and sister. Her father, Ralph Edward Muma, Jr., was killed in a mid-aicollision when Kristin was not quite three years old. She attended Van Hise Junior High School, Madison West High School, and received a B.A. From UW-Madison and an M.A in Connecticut. Always ready for a challenge, she worked in New York's Green Market and the city's travel and hotel industries. She even spent time as the "Cheese Lady" at Balducci's deli in Connecticut. But she found that teaching was her true calling, and she made good use of her boundless energy and creativity with her classes of kindergarten students and first graders. She is survived by her children, Tiffany Remington Bell, Tia Remington Bell (Brian Mulhern), and Roman Leclercq; mother Beverly Muma Blahnik; sister Lauren Muma; cousin and friend Janet O'Brien; cousin Bill Barks, and an aunt, Nonie Barks. Her many friends here and abroad will miss her deeply. The family thanks her dear friend Gwen Evans, the wonderful, caring people at Shorewood Elementary School, the Capital Lakes Care staff, and the Carbone Cancer Center. A Gathering of Friends will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, from 2 pm. until 6 pm. Donations can be made to Shorewood Elementary School, 1105 Shorewood Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705, for building and maintaining a children's "Little Lending Library" at the school.
Tributes
"I was a high school friend of Kristin's and kept up with her on and off through the years. It was wonderful to see her on trips back to Madison. Kristin truly embraced life and made everything a fun adventure. I am so sorry she is gone but so happy that I knew her and counted her as a friend. My heart goes out to all of her family."
"My thoughts and tears are for all of you, Bev, Lauren, Tiff, Tia, Roman and Gwen. Her love for you was deep and unbending and always that truth shall be. "
"The first time I met Kristin was in the West High cafeteria. She was a year behind me in school but she caught my attention because she was the first person I ever heard use the word "maniacal" in a sentence. I was immediately impressed with her intelligence and wonderful quirkiness and decided right then that I wanted to become friends with her. I felt lucky and thrilled that I got to hang out with her. Moving away from Madison after H.S., I lost touch with Kristin (and so many others) but I thought of her often and wondered if she was still such a firecracker. I am so glad that two summers ago I got to see Kristin again after all these years and she was as fabulous as ever. I can't quite believe that her vibrant energy isn't still whirling around. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I cannot imagine how hard this loss must be for all of you. Sincerely, Judy Halleck Marks"
"Bev, Lauren and Family - We are holding you in the light at this time of transition.Keep bright your memories of happy times and take comfort in the peace that Kristin has finally found. "
"Bev and Lauren, I was Roman's 2nd grade teacher when I met Kristin. There was an immediate connection...and there still is. I will forever thank her for her love of life, spontaneity, creativity, and eternal soul. You were blessed, so blessed to have Kristin in your life. She was so special, so one of a kind. May God Bless her and keep her. She was an angel on earth..."
"To Kristin's family - I am a high school classmate of Kristin's, and a friend of Gwen's. I am so sorry for your loss. One of my favorite memories of her didn't even take place in high school, but years later. I was living in MPLS, and somehow found out she was leading a tour in the Twin CIties (from when she was living abroad). She called me, and I hung with her and her tour group that evening, laughing and drinking beer. Vintage Kristin!"
"Thinking of you Lauren, Bev, and family. Lots of love to all of you. "
"To Bev and Lauren, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with all of you. Bob Schwartz and Family, Madison, WI"
"You are deeply missed and we will always remember the levity and joy you brought to all occasions and our shared love of candles. Rest in Peace!"