Leah Mignonette Kapp

Leah was born on December 12, 1929 in Oceanside, NY and passed away on June 25, 2016. Leah was a resident of Escondido, California. Her parents were William B. Tiebout and Dorothy Nathan Tiebout. She was one of 4 children. Leah graduated from high school in 1947 and then went back to school to attend college in the 1970's culminating in a Master's Degree focusing on Interior Design. Throughout her life she had a variety of careers and jobs. She worked for the telephone company, stayed home with her children, was a bank teller, secretary, grade school secretary, teacher at Santa Monica College, electronic sales representative with husband Mike, and a house contractor. Leah was married twice. The love of her life was with her second husband Mike who she met when she was working as a secretary an an electronics company. He was a salesman. He was persistent in asking Leah out for a date because she said she was never dating or getting married again. They married on July 21, 1967 in Sherman, CT at Leah's house. There were 3 children born to Leah from her first marriage - E. Lawrence Hazard, Jr. 9-13-51 in Danbury, CT, Lee Mignonette Van Sickle 12-19-53 in New Milford, CT and Valerie Gail Rea 10-15-56 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Mike had 1 child from his first marriage - Miriam R. Dumbrill 10-30-56 who completed the siblings. Leah has 10 grandchildren all grown: Christopher, Jonathan, Katherine, Christine, Robert, Michael, Steven, Ashley, Emily and Jake. There are 4 great-grandchildren: Trent, Sophia, William and Emma. Leah attended Westminster Presbyterian with her lady friends from Champagne Village. She was always helping people in her community, long time friends, and family. Whenever anyone had a problem, she was there to listen and then take whatever action was needed. When her children were younger, Leah was a Girl Scout leader for Lee throughout her high school years. Leah was devoted to the Lions Club after retirement. She enjoyed putting together their fundraisers and cooking meals for their monthly meetings. Leah was an accomplished knitter and the fastest one Val has ever seen. She enjoyed traveling from her 50's on. She and Mike traveled all over the world. The grandchildren have heard of their adventures. Christopher said that it has inspired him to travel. When Mike died, Leah continued traveling with Val. Other interests included golf, which she played every week with the ladies in Champagne Village. She also encouraged all of the grandchildren to play. She loved singing and was active with the Sweet Adelines. Games were a huge part of family get-togethers. Hearts and Yatzee were popular when her children were younger. Currently, Mexican Train is a favorite. Other interests included: gardening, interior design, building houses, riding horses, skiing. Unique about Leah is that she completed her Master's Degree. She designed and built 5 houses. Those who know her also would agree she was always getting hurt. There was some sort of cast or bandage for almost every year of her adult life. Fun memories include: Val and Leah's last trip together to Scotland where they drove around the Highlands enjoying scenery and castles, staying at b-n-b's. Val and Leah's first trip together was to Costa Rica when Leah was 80. She and Val went ziplining through the jungle. When Lee and Leah were in college together, they took a photography class. Leah was struggling to set up a tripod until the tripod legs were just inches high while Leah was balancing on a rock. Leah with husband Mike were both incredibly hard workers throughout their lives. They both set a wonderful example for the family. Leah will be remembered for her listening and helping capabilities. Family was important to her and she had many family get-togethers at her house where the grandchildren got to play. Her friends will remember how incredibly clever and resourceful she was. Leah was always thinking up new ideas.

Leah Mignonette Kapp

December 12, 1929 - June 25, 2016