Obituary of Edith Florence Leonard

It is with sadness but gratitude for a long and wonderful life we announce the peaceful passing on January 28, 2022 of Edith Florence Crocker Leonard: beloved wife and mother, cherished grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt. Left to celebrate Edie’s life is her husband of 66 years Tom, daughter Maureen (John Kennedy), sons Gary (Lynn), Michael (Linda), David (Tammy). She was the loving grandmother of Janice (Christopher), Thomas (Nicole), Jonathon (Michelle), Matthew (Denise), and Christopher (Taylor), a proud great grandmother to Jesse, Kaci, Taylor, Jacob, Jackson, Emily, Arabella and Sebastian. She was the only sister of Selwyn Crocker (Francis Brake), a sister- in-law to Kathleen Wells and Pat Leonard and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.  

Edith was predeceased by her parents Maude (Buffett) and Guy Crocker, Tom’s parents, Mary and Michael Leonard, sisters- in- law Isabel Crocker, Sue Leonard, Marie Leonard, Bride Leonard, Rhona Leonard, brothers-in- law, Jack, Art and Jim, and niece Peggy Crocker Brewer. 

Edie’s life was full of love and giving, taking care of her family and extended family, raising her children and helping raise her grandchildren with love, kindness and a look no one dared challenge. In later years, she enjoyed her great grandchildren and the time she spent with them.  Edie and Tom spent many years at their cabin in Big Bonne Bay Pond, fishing, gardening, playing cards, relaxing, and welcoming each and every visitor with a drink and some of her baking. Many will miss her warm sweaters and socks, her cozy quilts, and her “Nan” cookies. 

The family is very thankful for Edie’s neighbors on Water Street who helped her and Tom maintain their independence in later years: Albert and Tina, the O’Briens, the Hawkins and the Sheppards as well as our Jackladder family new and old who kept an eye on them and lent a hand; the Gillams and Derek, Harvey and Ruth, Chrissy and Lloyd, and Darren.  A special thank you to Marilyn for providing care to Edie while she was home.

The family is forever thankful to the care mom received from the health care professionals since May 2020.  The staff of the WMRH emergency room, the paramedics, the surgery staff, the amazing doctors and nurses, the staff at the Cancer Care Centre and the angels at the WMRH Palliative Care Unit. The nurses, doctors and staff there cared for mom with compassion, dignity and warmth, as if she was a member of their family.

There will be no wake and a private mass, for family, will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church. Due to Covid regulations, the service will be invitation only.  A celebration of her life will be held in the summer. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, The Palliative Care Unit, “Art for the Heart Project” c/o the WMRH Foundation, SPCA, or your preferred charity will be greatly appreciated.