Hillebrand Photography Blog

It’s not often that you come across individuals who stop you dead in your tracks and inspire you. We met the beautiful, ethereal, saintly Leona Jagels in December when we were doing a family session for her daughter, Mary Sue. We didn’t have much time to get to know her because it was a busy shoot with a gorgeous family of five! However, during the short time that she was there, I became intrigued by her. There’s just something special about Leona. As I dug around and got some information on her, I found that indeed, I’m not the only person she’s had this effect on. In fact, many people have said that they feel they’re in the presence of a saint when they’re with her. There’s just something special about this woman. Leona will be 88 this coming March. She’s a mother to 6 children, a grandmother to 12, and a great grandmother to 5. She was born and raised in Detroit and is a devout Catholic. At a glance, these are just facts and figures, but I supposed the real magic comes when you’re simply in her presence. Her spirit is full of peace and her joy is contagious. She exudes wisdom and steadfastness, but at the same time, is full of child-like glee and wonder. The following images are my attempt at capturing 88 wonderful years in a few, small frames.

Leona in the kitchen of her Rochester home, which she’s lived in for several decades:

Leona looks over a book detailing her personal history. It’s an heirloom that she created for her grandchildren:

Mary Sue is the second-to-youngest child, and Leona’s only girl. Behind them is a painting created by Leona’s daughter-in-law, Pati, who is married to her oldest son. The painting was a gift for her 25th wedding anniversary:

A devout Catholic, Leona prays the Rosary daily:

A section from a book called Momilies, mini “homilies” written for anyone who needs a mother’s advice. At one point in her life, Leona owned a Christian bookstore in downtown Rochester:

Leona with a painting of her late husband, Leonard Jagels. He was also born and raised in Detroit and the two were introduced by mutual friends. He passed away in 1983 at the age of 63:

Leona reflected in a photo of her and Leonard on a trip to the Middle East. They were laughing as they struggled to climb onto the back of camel:

Leona loves to laugh, and her joy and inner peace is felt by anyone who’s around her:

Leona and her 6 children at a family member’s wedding. Pictured from left to right: John, Mary Sue, Mark, Leona, Jim, Mike, Paul:

Radiant with life and love, Leona’s sparkling blue eyes dance like sunlight reflected on water:

Thank you, Mrs. Leona Jagels for inspiring me to photograph you, for being a light and a hope to the world. May we all learn from you and live to the fullest, embracing each new opportunity and inspiring those around us.

To see a slide show of her session and to link to her gallery, click here!