Leona Monica Leocha, 97, died peacefully Friday, September 5, 2014, surrounded by family at the Elmwood Center.

Leona was born in Claremont, NH, on September 23, 1916, the daughter of Zenon and Saturnina (Jaskinska) Leocha.  She was a graduate of Stevens High School in the Class of 1934.

Leona worked at Sullivan Machine Co. (Joy Manufacturing Co.) in the office.  After moving to Connecticut in 1945, she worked at the Fuller Brush Company and later for the State of Connecticut Department of Education as a payroll clerk and secretary retiring in 1984.  While in Connecticut, Leona lived in the Bristol, Hartford, and East Hartford areas for many years prior to returning to Claremont in 1995. 

She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church.

Leona was a joyful person with a zest for life and an infectious laugh.  She will always be remembered for her caring and generosity towards others.  Leona enjoyed spending time and corresponding with family and friends, helping others, dancing, attending concerts, and reading.

Surviving family include many special:  nieces, nephews,  great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces , great great nephews,  and  cousins.  She was predeceased by two brothers, Mitchell

 “Jim” Leocha and Zygfryd Leocha and two sisters, Leokadia Pomiecko and Veronica Caffrey.

There are no visiting hours.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated September 26^th at 11AM in St. Joseph Church with Rev.  Father George Majka, officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.

The Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad St. is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leona’s memory to the St. Joseph Parish Renovation Fund, P.O. Box 824, Claremont, NH 03743.