LeVerne Mengis (Warneke)

November 24, 1941 – May 05, 2022

Our beloved LeVerne Mengis (Warneke) passed away at home in Portland, OR, on May 5, 2022, after a recent fight with pancreatic cancer. Le’ was born in Portland, OR Nov 24, 1941, and is survived by her sister Elaine Brown, daughter Lisa Ivy, son-in-law Richard Craig, grandchildren Kaneischa Johnson, Brittany “Leha” Green, Eli Moody, Brandy Green, Maliko Minnieweather, and great-granddaughter Aria Moody Salazar. Her mother Marie Wilcox, son Hans Neff, and daughter Sharon Craig predeceased her. Her beloved Italian Greyhound, Cleo, also passed away in January of 2022 at the age of 17.

Le’ was charming, generous, funny, and notoriously mischievous – the family and many friends she leaves behind have an endless supply of colorful stories about the ways Le’ impacted them or successfully roped them into harmless trouble. She loved the Pacific Northwest Coast and what once was camping with children and friends at the beach in her youth, eventually became a part-time residence in Long Beach, WA during her retirement.

She was a retiree of Pacific Northwest Bell, after serving as a Bell Services Operator for many years. She enjoyed being the unofficial office party planner (a role she filled in all areas of her life) and maintained many of her co-working friendships in the years since her retirement. Before Pac Bell, Le’ delivered newspapers for the Oregonian throughout the Portland area, often with her three young children in tow. In her retirement, she also volunteered in several community organizations.

Le’ had a close, special relationship with her “Sis” as she referred to her older sister, Elaine. They talked many times a week by phone when it became less possible for them to visit one another, swapping secrets, laughs, and enjoying memories of the trips they had taken together during their lifetime or special moments they shared as children.

Robust travel (by plane, train, and automobile!) was a large part of Le’s life after her children left the home, and she was able to visit many places in the world with friends and with her daughter, Sharon, who served in the US Navy. She also enjoyed becoming a grandmother and supported her daughters in their journey to becoming parents. For all the fun and joy she experienced or created in her lifetime, Le’ also thrived despite unfortunate turns and losses and leaves behind a legacy of endurance for her family.

Upon her diagnosis, Le’ proclaimed she would achieve her goal to reach her 80th birthday, which she did (and then some!). She spent her last birthday in great spirits, laughing and chatting and enjoying delicious things. Throughout the time since her diagnosis, Le’ maintained the will to continue chemotherapy treatment, even while grieving the recent loss of her oldest daughter, Sharon. Le’ was at home, surrounded by her family and closest friends, during her last, precious days.

Le’ will be interned alongside her family at the Rose City Cemetery in Portland, and a private memorial gathering will be held at a later date. In the meantime, her family would greatly encourage and appreciate sharing your memories of Le’ here.

“Ta-ta!” she might say right now. Gma Le’, Momma, we love and miss you.