Virginia Leonard
Ledyard — Virginia Rose Leonard was welcomed home to her heavenly family on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018.
She was the daughter of Edward A. Leary and Rose Margaret (Koehler) Leary, born Sept. 15 in Cambridge, Mass. Ginny dreamed of becoming a Navy nurse but her mother’s illness prevented that. She loved and married John B. Leonard in 1951. They spent over 22 years in the Navy as Red pursued his naval career. They were married for over 64 years when Red passed on June 28, 2015.
Ginny had an independent spirit at an early age that continued to blossom throughout her life. She was self-reliant, self-assured and embraced life with a kindhearted, loving spirit. She had an engaging personality with a genuine interest in others, enjoyed conversations and never met a stranger. She was a lifelong learner who valued, appreciated and shared her joy of learning with others. Her family and friends always benefited from her caring nature, always putting other’s needs and concerns before her own. She was simply a beautiful person inside and out.
She loved summers at Cape Neddick-York Beach, Maine, being with family and friends, personal growth, staying fit, politics, Irish music, reading and lifelong friendships.
Her family was the center of her heart, the light and love of her life. Her greatest joy was to see her children and grandchildren grow into the wonderful people they have become. She cherished them all so very deeply.
She leaves behind her son, James and wife, Delores, and grandson, Kevin; daughter, Donna; son, John and wife, Cerita, and grandchildren, Casey, Skylar, Sabina, Tessa and Gage; also her brother, Edward Leary and wife, Mary Lou; sister, Dorothy Neal; sister-in-law, Barbara Buonaugurio; along with many other relatives and friends.
Ginny always put her family first. She taught us the value of hard work, integrity and family. How to be strong, kind and humble and to appreciate the simple things in life. She encouraged, challenged and cheered us on — with our best interests in her heart, always there for us. She was a loving anchor to her family, always there to help, to guide and pass on her knowledge and insight throughout her life.
Ginny was love — her love of family was absolute, passionate, constant, unwavering, fierce, devoted, unconditional and never-ending. This was matched by how very immensely proud she was of each and every member of her family, every second of every day.
Virginia was a bright shining star to all who knew and loved her. She is forever — part of us and who we are. Her everlasting love embraces and surrounds us. We will treasure you in our hearts, souls and memories, always and forever.
I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever — Psalms 23