Laren Leonard

Asheville – Laren Leonard, 72; passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in Asheville, North Carolina.

A Maryland native, Laren was the daughter of the late Ross and Helen Leonard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Luczak and her sister, Linda Simmont. Laren attended Frostburg State University, where she earned an arts degree in photography. Laren worked in the media department at the United States Naval Academy. While working at USNA she earned her pilot’s license and fought for admittance into the school’s all-male flight club. Laren homeschooled her children, was an avid gardener and a prolific artist. Her mediums included painting, leatherwork, beadwork, clay, found objects, photography and floral collage. She was afflicted by Alzheimer’s in 2010, but continued her photography even as the disease progressed. She will be remembered for her dedication to her craft, her generosity and unwavering feminism.

Laren is survived by her daughter, Jenny Luczak; her son, Jared Luczak; two brothers, Jody Leonard and Curtis Leonard; and grandson, Daniel Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BeLoved Asheville, P.O. Box 6386
Asheville, NC 28816.

The care of Ms. Leonard has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.