Leone (Just) Hynds

Leone (Just) Hynds, 94, of LaSalle, Illinois left this earth in the loving care of her family on Saturday, December 5, 2020 in Syracuse, New York.

A native of Illinois, Leone was born on February 20th, 1926 to Charles and Marie (Jasper) Just. In 1946, she married Charles Hynds, Jr., who passed away in 1997. 

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Hynds, her daughter-in-love, Susan Scharoun, and her cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth Hynds Scharoun of Syracuse, NY; her nieces and nephews, David (Kim) Wisniewski, Donald (Anne Riordan) Wisniewski, David (Cynthia) Eike, Lynnette (Keith) Lambert, Kathy Ann Wisniewski, Anne (Corky) Strickland, Barbara (Gary) Zimney, Joni (William) Parker, Steven (Lisa) Robinson, and Julie Ann (Javad) Smith-Simonsen; her cousins, Beverly West, Mary Louise Hill, Mary Jane Biscaro, Janice Edwards Aston, Darlene Leach; her grand nieces and nephews; and her guardian angels, Lori Howarth, Renee Kimbrell, Claudia Gerstle, Patty Robertson, Rodney Shipp, Kay Scharoun, Mike Kane, Judith and Ted Kelly, Maria DiTullio, and Mary Ellen Mangino.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her ex-husband, Charles Hynds, Jr; and her sisters, Charlene (Boots) Eike and Delores Lee. 

Leone was a talented artist and member of the Illinois Valley Art League, showcasing her beautiful oil paintings in local art exhibits for many years. In 1968, she was named Woman of the Week by the LaSalle News Tribune for her work in establishing and running The Delirium, a local center for young adults of college age. On Saturday evenings, Illinois Valley Community College students and other area youth would gather at the Center for conversation, games, and dancing to the music of rock bands from Chicago, Peoria, and surrounding areas. Leone was a regular listener and contributor to talk shows on NPR and WLPO. Nicknamed “Agent Leone” by Her local talk show host, Rod Thorson, she frequently shared her unique perspectives on all things political with all who would listen.

Leone lived by three simple truisms: Your word is your bond; Love is the greatest gift; and Never say an unkind word to someone you love. Her unmitigated kindness, generosity of spirit, and open-mindedness made her an instant favorite of almost everyone she encountered. She touched the lives of many and will be forever missed. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a private memorial gathering for family and close friends at a future time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Central New York and of the Finger Lakes: https://www.hospicecny.org.

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