1938 - 2025
OBITUARY
Catherine Leonard, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by her family.
Catherine was born on July 31,1938, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, to John and Catherine Coyne of County Mayo, Ireland. She was the youngest of three children growing up in a loving family where faith, tradition, and connection to extended relatives were central to her life. The family settled in Woodhaven, Queens where she attended St. Thomas the Apostle School and St. Michael's High School in Brooklyn.
After graduating, Catherine worked at Western Electric in New York City and indulged her love of travel and exploration. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Jerry Leonard from Hollis, Queens. They soon married and moved to Queens Village and eventually settled and raised their children in New Hyde Park.
Catherine was predeceased by her loving husband, Jerry, daughter Maureen, brother Michael and sister, Mary. She is survived by her four children Kathleen, Eileen, Mary (Andrew), Thomas (Ann Marie), her 10 grandchildren, Michael (Alexandra), Christopher (Samantha), Daniel (Kathleen), Courtney, Cirsten, Madeleine, Connor, Jack, Joseph and Grace and 4 great-grandchildren Cameron, Olivia, Brooks, Mason and her fifth great-grandchild is expected in May.
Catherine and Jerry loved spending time together in the Catskills and on Long Island's East End, creating lifelong memories with their family. As a devoted homemaker, Catherine poured her heart into her family. She was a gifted cook, baker and a talented knitter and dressmaker. When her children were older, she went back to work and spent many years at Seabury and Smith Inc. and made lifelong friendships along the way.
Catherine’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of the Rosary Altar Society and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Notre Dame Parish. Catherine was also an active member in the Consolation Ministry, providing comfort to others in times of grief.
Catherine was quick to laugh and had a light about her that brightened the lives of all
who knew her —always making the most of life and sharing her joy with others. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement and hope and of course, her love of ice cream and the beach.
Catherine’s light will continue to shine through her family, her faith, and the countless lives she touched with her love and kindness. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Catherine's name to: Alzheimer's Foundation of America
VISITATION
Thursday, January 16
2:00 - 4:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, January 17
10:45 AM
Notre Dame R.C. Church
5 Mayfair Road, New Hyde Park, NY
INTERMENT
St. John Cemetery
80-01 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY