Leona Jean Peak

Leona “Jean” Peak, of Winchester, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on December 2, 1933, in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Francis (Browning) Sparks. She was married for 67 years to her beloved husband, George Peak, who preceded her in death in 2019.

Jean graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1951. The summer before her senior year, she met George at a baseball game, and their first date was at the Zoe Theater followed by milkshakes. Their love and dedication to one another endured until the end of their days. Together they raised seven children: Phil Peak (late wife, Ellie) of Winchester, Paul Peak (wife, Janette) of Springfield, Pat Peak (wife, Laurie) of Winchester, Penny Kaufmann (husband, Chad) of Springfield, Perry Peak (wife, Ellen) of Winchester, Peter Peak (wife, Paula) of Jacksonville, and Pamma Kaufmann (husband, Kevin) of Jacksonville. Her greatest joy was her large family, which grew to include 17 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Sue (late husband, Jim) Riggs. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Clemma (late husband, John O.) Hoover, and her daughter-in-law, Ellie Peak.

In her later years, Jean’s home was a welcoming gathering place filled with laughter, where the backyard pool became the heart of many sunny afternoons. She delighted in spoiling her grandchildren with homemade treats, especially her famous sticky popcorn, while keeping the refrigerator stocked with sodas and the freezer with popsicles. A woman of tireless energy, she was often found mowing her yard or tending her expansive garden. She faithfully supported her grandchildren at 4-H fairs, arriving with packed lunches and words of encouragement.

Jean possessed a special gift in the kitchen, able to prepare a home-cooked meal for a crowd at a moment’s notice. Her specialties included homemade noodles, fresh baked bread, Christmas morning cinnamon rolls, and angel food cake topped with burnt brown sugar icing. Above all, her life was defined by her deep faith. At the age of 26, she committed her heart fully to following Jesus Christ and lived out that devotion every day through love for God and love for others. Her faithful example remains her greatest legacy, one that will continue to shape generations of her family.