Lenora Marie Champlin

Lenora Marie (Finnearty) Champlin of Westerville, Ohio, passed peacefully the morning of May 14, 2025, at the age of 102.

Lenora was born November 4, 1922, in Nelsonville, Ohio, the daughter of William Buck and Ethel Selena (Martin) Finnearty. She was fifth in line of her sixteen siblings and took on much of the responsibility to care for them. Her father's work moved the family to various locations around Ohio and eventually, they settled in The Plains. Times were hard during Lenora's childhood, which would force her to quit school after the 7th grade. She would lie about her age to get jobs to support her large family and offered every paycheck to her parents. Lenora often reflected on the fond childhood memories of her father, who taught her much about life and survival.

Meeting the love of her life, Lenora married Leo Ernest Champlin on October 11, 1941, at the age of 19. The happy couple would be together 50 years until Leo's death in 1991. Together, they had three children, Shirley, Lenora (Pete), and Leo Jr. and moved first to Toledo before settling in Columbus (German Village) in the early 1950's.

Lenora's work outside the home included walking small children to and from school each day, making toys for kids at the American Children's Association, crafting nets for sport teams at Ohio University, painting signs for the Department of Transportation and working with orphans at the local Children's Home. In Columbus, she babysat out of her home for many years, thus earning the nickname "Nanny" which many of us still call her today. One of those children would become her fourth child when Leo and Lenora adopted Dean Wesley Champlin in 1983. It wasn't unusual to see a house full of kids from the family and the community!

As a survivor of the Great Depression, Lenora was strong, independent, and resilient. She was careful and wise, wasting nothing and saving everything! She enjoyed gardening, swinging on the porch, card playing and watching the deer at the parks with her beloved. Her family most enjoyed the many traditions that brought them together.

Remaining to cherish Lenora's memory are sons, Leo Champlin, Jr. (Gloria) and Dean Wesley Champlin, and daughter Shirley Collier (Ervin). Further, Lenora's family has blessed her with 12 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and 17 great, great grandchildren!

Preceding Lenora in death are husband, Leo Champlin and daughter, Lenora (Pete) Garverick. Lenora was the last survivor of her seventeen siblings, but her story will continue on through her beautiful family. May she rest in her heavenly Father's arms in peace.

A service will be held Tuesday, May 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Moreland Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. Interment Blendon Central Cemetery.