Kathleen M. Leberti

Kathleen “Kathie” McCord Leberti, passed away in her Coos Bay, Oregon home surrounded by her beloved family and dear friends on May 7, 2024, after a lengthy battle against Alzheimer’s dementia.

Kathie was born at Keizer Hospital in North Bend, Oregon on April 8, 1947, to William Dean and Edith Elaine (Johnson) McCord joining sister Sharon. Brother Kevin arrived when she was twelve. She treasured her childhood memories of Sundays with cousins at Grandma & Grandpa Johnson’s, picking berries, climbing down to the beach and jumping on beds while the adults played Pinochle.

She attended Milner Crest, Blossom Gulch, Marshfield Junior High and graduated from Marshfield High School where she was a proud member of the class of 1965. She completed legal secretarial training at Merritt Davis School of Commerce and returned to Coos Bay where she worked for Huggins Insurance and Menasha.

It was during this time that she reconnected with fellow 1965 classmate Lou Leberti. They were married September 14, 1968 at St Monica’s Catholic Church. After a short stint at Fort Riley in Kansas, they returned to Oregon. They welcomed daughters Kim and then Tammie and by 1976 had settled into their forever home built by Lou, overlooking the bay. She filled the yard with a kaleidoscope of plants and her kitchen was never without a supply of cookies, cakes and pies at the ready.

As the girls entered school, she dove headfirst into the role of room mother, fundraiser and team mom and became a mainstay on the Marshfield Booster Club, head cheerleader at all home and away athletics and a steady provider of academic guidance. During this time, she also managed the Coin-O-Matic Laundromat & Drycleaners they had purchased and was a support and sounding board for Lou at Vend West Services, their other business.

Not initially enamored with the labradors Lou had for hunting, they soon became her pride and joy, spoiling each one more than the last.

The arrival of their grandchildren allowed her another opportunity to celebrate the joy of children. She was truly in her element baking holiday cookies, reading children’s books, tackling puzzles and coloring with the grandkids.

She was by nature a loving caregiver and fiercely meticulous in all she did, including organizing the Spring Tea fundraiser for the Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation, picnics at the Condo in Charleston, ironing jeans or selecting annuals for her planters. She was always more comfortable quietly doing work behind the scenes than being in the spotlight.

Kathie is survived by husband of 55 years, Lou; daughters, Kim Leberti (Dustin Clarke) and Tammie (Floyd) Montiel; grandchildren, Edie and Alie Clarke and Dominic and Tatum Montiel; brother, Kevin McCord (Wendy). She was predeceased by her parents and sister Sharon Cottell.

A celebration of Kathie’s life will be held on Saturday June 29 at 2:00 pm followed by a reception at 63249 Roosevelt Blvd. Charleston, OR

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation: PO Box 873 Coos Bay, OR 97420.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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