Cathaleen Leja
April 27, 1936-March 4, 2026
Pleasanton, California

Cathaleen Leja passed away peacefully at age 89, leaving a legacy of faith, family, and adventure. Born April 27, 1936, in Oakland, California, Cathaleen grew up in San Leandro and graduated from Holy Names Catholic High School.

In her youth, Cathaleen embraced an active social life as a secretary in San Francisco, traveling to Yosemite and attending the 1960 Winter Olympics. In 1964, she married the love of her life, George Leja, whom she met in Alameda. They settled in Pleasanton to raise their three children before retiring to Lincoln. Together, they traveled the world and volunteered with the Lincoln Police Department’s COP unit. In 2014, they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Following George’s passing in 2015, Cathaleen returned to Pleasanton to be near family.

A devoted parishioner of St. Augustine’s, Cathaleen’s faith was her cornerstone. She was a planner and a generous spirit who lived for family gatherings. She famously advised her children and grandchildren, “You know, sweetheart, you only live once!” — encouraging them to pursue their dreams with all their hearts. A recent highlight was celebrating the wedding of her eldest grandchild, Andrew.

Cathaleen was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, Margaret and Stephan Davoren; and siblings Patrick and Mary. She is survived by her three children: Colleen Hanley (Dan) and their children Ryan and Danielle; Dan Leja (Elizabeth) and their children Andrew (Diana), Zachary, Kelsey, Grace, and Simon; and Maureen Hickey (Dan Tracy) and their children Brendan, Liam, Tyler, and Giselle. She also leaves behind her siblings, Stephan Davoren and Anne Marie Clancy, as well as a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation & Rosary: Thursday, March 19, 5:00 pm (Rosary at 6:00 pm), Graham-Hitch Mortuary, Pleasanton. Funeral Mass: Friday, March 20, 10:30 am, St. Augustine’s Church, Pleasanton. Final Resting Place: Monday, March 23, 10:15 am, Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, Dixon.

Donations in Cathaleen’s memory can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Link: https://www.stjude.org/