Trilma Leeman

Trilma Mae was born to Emma and Maurice Haas on April 29, 1927 in Eureka California. She started attending school in a three-room schoolhouse in Fresh Water Corners. At age 10, her family moved to a farm in San Jose and there she attended school and worked on the farm until World War II began. Trilma and her siblings did their part for the war effort. Charlie, Alma, and Roy worked on the farm, her older brother Maurice (Sonny) joined the Navy and Trilma went to work as an operator for the telephone company.

During the war, Trilma wrote letters to an acquaintance who was overseas, Elmer Leeman (Al). When he returned home, they dated, became engaged and were married on March 9, 1946.

The young couple built their home on Williams Road and settled down with their three children – Claudia, Douglas, and Duncan. As a full-time mother Trilma became an active volunteer in her children’s schools, organizing fund raising events and celebrations.

When her children reached their teens, Trilma went to work for Roos/ Atkins and soon became an internal auditor traveling to stores all over California. She later used her knowledge in retail and bought Mackies Children’s Store in Willow Glen. Having always enjoyed needlework, she opened a second store in Willow Glen, The Weaver’s Attic. There, she taught classes in spinning, weaving and knitting. As a member of the Willow Glen Merchants Association, Trilma organized street fairs and festivals.

Retiring again, Trilma and Al traveled on cruises all over the world. They were also members of the Horseless Carriage Club. For over 25 years, they wore period clothing as they toured all over California in Al’s 1915 Model T.

Trilma was a proud survivor of breast cancer. She became an advocate for women’s health care speaking to women’s groups each year.

She continued teaching needlework classes from her home. She particularly enjoyed working with a group of young girls who met with her after school.

Trilma enjoyed being Grandma/Nanie to her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. They shared many adventures where she modeled her gifts of hospitality, generosity and community spirit for them.

Trilma and Al sold their home on Williams Road in 2014 and moved to Merrill Gardens where they embraced community life making many new friends. Trilma once again started teaching a needlework class. She called her group “The Busy Bees”. They were indeed busy as the crocheted and knitted lap robes for the veteran’s hospital and hats for infants and cancer survivors. They created additional items to sell at boutiques where they raised money to continue their work for the hospitals.

After celebrating an amazing 73 years together, Al passed away July 17, 2019. Trilma missed him continually until her death on May 30, 2023.

Trilma was also predeceased by her son Douglas Leeman. She will be greatly missed by her children Claudia Vestal (Bill), Duncan Leeman (Karen), her daughter-in-law Sandra Denhart, her 7 grandchildren, her 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. She will also be missed by a large number of friends and extended family.

Trilma Leeman enjoyed a rich, productive life full of love, fun, friends, travel and community service. She leaves a legacy to all who knew her on how to live.