Leora "Lee" M. Daley, 86, of Byron passed away peacefully at Meadow Lakes Senior Living in Rochester on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Leora was born on January 17, 1935 to Otto and Catherine (Boetel) Bartsch in Pipestone, MN. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1953. After high school, Leora worked as a telephone operator and at Standard Lumber Company in Winona, MN.

On April 12, 1958, Leora married her high school sweetheart, James Daley in Winona, Minnesota. They purchased a farm north of Byron in 1958, and Leora began her role as mother and homemaker, raising 9 children while commanding the phones and managing communication as secretary of the large family farm for 50 years.

Leora is survived by her children Rosemary (Randy) of Minneapolis, Tom (Annie) of Byron, Paul (Ruth) of Byron, Angela of St Paul, Kathleen (Gary) of Lakeland, Teresa (Ryan) of Elysian, Phillip of Owatonna, Douglas (Jennifer) of Byron, Fabian (Shannon) of Byron, 25 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Mark and her sister Bonnie. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, her parents, sister Mary, brothers Eldon and Wilfred and grandson Louis.

Leora will be remembered for bringing a meal together on short notice for extra guests, hosting international farming apprentices from Norway, Russia and China, tending a large garden, working jigsaw puzzles, tracking family history, and faithfully attending sports and musical events for each one of her children.

Leora gained strength from her unwavering faith, as she was an active member of the women's ministries and prayer chain at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron. She was kind, caring, and a loyal friend. Her commitment to family was a common thread throughout her life and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her joy until her last days.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at Byron Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021 with visitation one hour prior to the mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Tom Loomis officiating. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to New Life Family Services of Rochester, Minnesota.