Leona Zaharis passed away on Wednesday, April 20th in Iowa City. Leona Willert was born on May 26, 1927 and was raised in Auburn, Iowa. Upon graduation, she moved to California to work in the shipyards during WWII. And thus began her life of adventure. Her biggest adventure was her marriage to George Zaharis on November 1, 1958. They settled in Des Moines and raised their children, Catherine and Michael. Mom was always on the go, whether planning the next vacation (all 50 states and six continents), or working on a project at church/school, playing tennis (including Senior Olympics), or involved with helping a family member. She was fiercely loyal to family and friends, and never hesitated to jump in wherever she could help. She wanted to spend time with family every day. When George passed in 1990, she kept up her travels with her sister Betty, and they continued with journeys and adventure around the world. Leona never met a stranger, connecting with so many whose paths crossed hers. On her world travels before cell phone cameras, she would bring a Polaroid camera. Not to have a picture to keep, but to share pictures with others. From her time at Walnut Ridge to visiting favorite restaurants, she developed friendships along the way. Oh, and towards the end, she might not remember your name, but could certainly take you in a card game. She is survived by her sister, Betty Koepsel of Windsor Heights, daughter Catherine Zaharis (Bob Michael) of Iowa City, son Michael Zaharis (Courtney) of Trophy Club, Texas; grandchildren Jason and Andrew Zaharis, Lauren O’Neil (Dan), Gregory Michael; great-grandchildren Robby, Theo and Elliot, nieces Cindy Koepsel, Karen Gamon and Cathy (Steve) Hestilow, and nephews Don Koepsel and David (Frances) Ziska. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Anna Willert, her husband George Zaharis, brothers Webb (Jerre), Elmer and Walter, sister Dorothy, and sister-in-law Stella Ziska. The family extends our love and gratitude to the newest members of our clan, the staff of Bickford Cottage in Iowa City. They loved Leona and cared for her as part of their family, and we are forever grateful. You made this journey into the devastation of dementia one full of warmth, kindness, fun, and even a bit of wine. We could not have chosen a better place for her to live. No service is planned at this time. In honor of Leona, make sure you have an adventure in your life this year. It could be a drive through tree-lined streets during the colors of Fall, enjoying the Des Moines Symphony on a 4th of July Pops concert, cheering on her beloved Hawkeyes, catching a Broadway musical, or seeing the many wonders and people of the world. She loved it all, and never wanted it to stop.