Leila M. Ponfil Mahkimetas, age 66, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday August 29, 2024, in Shawano. Born on April 5, 1958, to the late Howard and Regina (Skenadore) Mahkimetas in Keshena. Leila received her technical diploma from North Central Technical College. She went on to work as the secretary for the Menominee Indian School for 33 years until her retirement in 2014. She was a long-time member of St. Anthonys Catholic Church in Neopit. Leila was outgoing and loved to golf and gamble. She also loved traveling to watch boxing matches whenever she could. Her priority in life, however, was spending time with her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Leila is survived by: her children, Stephanie (Steven) Awonohpay, Darlene (Colin) Ponfil, Tiffany Ponfil, Roberta Ponfil and Myrtle (Demetrius) Kaquatosh; her grandchildren, Kimberlee, Steven Jr., Regina, Libby, Aaron, Frances, Clayton, Wyatt, Matthew, Mason and Allison; her great-grandchildren, Kaylee, James Jr., Maiya, London, Brinn, Evelyn, Giovanni, Mateo and Leo; her siblings, Myrtle (Eliza) Mahkimetas, Melanie Mahkimetas, Edward (Cyndee) Mahkimetas, Elizabeth Waupekenay, and April (Darrell) Webster; her special nephews, Baby Dave, Brandon and Jesse. She is further survived by numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her parents Howard and Regina, her son in infancy, and her siblings, Howie, Rickie, Samuel, Samuel and Jackie.

A funeral service for Leila will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday September 3, 2024, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Neopit with Fr. Hanz Christian officiating. Visitation will begin on  Monday, September 2, 2024, at 4:00 pm at the Myrtle Mahkimetas residence W1370 Rainbow Court in Keshena until the time of procession at 10:30 am.