Frances Leandriher
Groton — Frances Ferri Leandri, 94, formerly of Tyler Avenue, Groton, died peacefully Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Fairview in Groton. She was born in New London on Aug. 21, 1927, the daughter of Frank and Mary (White) Ferri.
Frances was a 1946 graduate of Chapman Tech High School in New London, a 1950 graduate from the University of Connecticut and received a master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1973. Frances married Julio H. Leandri Oct. 28, 1950, at Sacred Heart Church in Groton. Julio predeceased her in 2015, after 65 years of marriage, love and friendship.
Frances began a proud career with Groton Public Schools as a teacher at Eastern Point School in 1969. She taught kindergarten and first grade until her retirement in 1987. Frances was a devoted supporter of the University of Connecticut and was very proud to establish the endowed “Leandri Family Athletic Scholarship” with her husband and children. Frances was well known for her tailgating picnics at UConn football games at the old Memorial Stadium on the Storrs Campus; and she was incredibly grateful when the UConn Alumni Association commemorated her favorite tailgating spot with a plaque in her honor in the 1990s. Frances enjoyed cooking and recipes are a cherished possession amongst her family. She also enjoyed reading, traveling and spending many summers on the lake in Limington, Maine. Her greatest joy came from simply spending time with her family and friends.
Frances was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed and always remembered by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Leandri Trolan and her husband Michael of Groton; and by her son
John and his wife Barbara of Gales Ferry. She was lovingly known as “Moosie” by her three grandchildren, Steven, Michael and Anna Leandri, all of Gales Ferry. She was predeceased by a son, Steven; and by her siblings, Frank
Ferri Jr., Patricia Ferri Kuhn, Marlene Ferri and Sheryll
Ferri Prentice.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Fairview for their tremendous care and support of Frances over the past three years.
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home of New London, is assisting the family with arrangements. Services will be private. Donations may be made in Frances’ memory to Fairview, 235 Lestertown Road, Groton, CT 06340. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.