This post is dedicated to Richard and Betty Leonard, shown here. My grandfather, Robert J. Leonard, was half-brother to Richard.
It was Betty, Mrs. Richard Leonard, Sr., who so generously supplied me with a treasured photograph of my great-grandfather, Albert Jay Leonard. She also included the above portrait of her and Richard. She was so kind and eager to help me prove the connection between my branch of the Leonard family and the descendants of Charles Russell Leonard. The story was recounted in a previous post. Click here to read it.
Betty passed away in 2016, but she will not soon be forgotten. We are so grateful she helped preserve the legacy of Albert Jay Leonard, for posterity's sake.
Betty's obituary is shown here:
Savannah: Betty W. Leonard entered into rest on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Wayne County Nursing Home with her family by her side. Betty was born at home in Savannah, NY on October 17, 1931. She was the daughter of Oliver and Florence (Lapp) Washburn.
Betty spent most of her life in Savannah and more recently Duck Lake. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She loved music and working in her flower beds. She was an avid reader and bird watcher. She was kind and thoughtful to all who knew her. Betty worked for many years at General Electric in Auburn before retiring.
Betty is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard Leonard Sr., her son Richard (Shannon) Leonard Jr., daughters Lydia (Ralph) Garrison, Susan (Gary) Durham, Melody (Alan) McKinney, “adopted” son Richard (Julie) Werthmann, grandchildren Richard (Sarah) Garrison. Daniel Durham, Denise Durham, Brandon Teachout and Ashley Purdy and brother Charles Washburn.
Betty will also be missed by beloved dog, Missy and several special friends, nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Oliver and Florence Washburn, brothers James and Edward Washburn, sister-in-law Fran Renee` May, sons-in-law Ralph Garrison, Gary Durham, Mark Swanson and daughter-in-law Martha (Mekkelson) Leonard.
In lieu of flowers any contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central NY Chapter, 441 West Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204 or to the Humane Society of Wayne County, 1475 County House Rd., Lyons, NY 14489. There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.
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