ALBANY – Emma Michela Leonard, 96, of Albany, died Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Teresian House in Albany. Emma was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Mario Michela and Agatha Ciaccia Michela, and she lived here all her life. She was a communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for over forty years, and also of the former St. Anthony’s and St. Margaret Mary’s Churches. She sang in the choir of St. Anthony’s Church and at the Cathedral. She also was employed by the State of New York in the Governor’s Office. She also was a homemaker for most of her life, and cherished children, good food, and her family.
Emma was predeceased in 1991 by her husband James J. Leonard. She is survived by her children Michele T. Leonard and Mary S. Leonard of Albany, Mark J. Leonard (Kimberlee) of Guilderland, and Ann R. Louer (David) of Albany; her grandchildren Andrea Thorne, Victoria, Claire, and Marissa Leonard, Daniel Louer, and Ashley and Matthew Wyland; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Michela; her sister Angela Pezzulo, and her cousin Elizabeth Ciaccia O’Hanlon who was raised with Emma like a sister; her daughter in law Eileen Leonard; and her infant grandson James David Louer.
The Leonard family wishes to thank the staff of the Teresian House for the wonderful care they provided to Emma; Ivory Pettiway for her care of Emma at home, and the religious and parish communities, friends and neighbors who visited and prayed with Emma.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Thursday morning at 9:00, and from there to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Eagle St., Albany at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Restoration Fund, 125 Eagle St., Albany, NY 12203; or to The Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to read Emma’s story, prepared while she lived at the Teresian House.
Click here to view Emma’s resting place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY.
The Keating Family, John, Kathy and Beth
Mark, Kim and Family:
Losing someone is never easy even when they have lived a long and fruitful life. We are so sorry for your loss. May you look back to good memories of your mom to comfort you. We are told “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” May the love of family and friends surround you and give you strength and may the love of God bring you smiles during these difficult times and help to heal your pain.
John, Kathy and Beth
Ed and Karen Solomon
Dear Mark
We offer our love and support to you and your family as you grieve the loss of your mom. It sounds as if she lived a good and long life, which is a great blessing. We hold you all in our prayers during this time.
Blessings of peace,
Mary Grace Mayer
Dear Shelley, Mary, Mark & Annie,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. What a sweet wonderful lady she was. I always enjoyed time spent with your Mom when I came to visit. You were lucky to have her in your lives for so long. Cherish the good memories and know that she and your Dad are happy together once again! Find strength and comfort in family and friends.
Mary Grace
Scotty McColl
Mark-Mark, we have lost touch and I was looking for an email address for you and found this obituary on your mother’s passing. I am so sorry to read this. Though I would have thought that your mother had passed awhile ago, how lucky you and your sisters were to have her for so long a period. I remember my visits to Albany, and how kind both your parents were to me. May she rest in peace. My kind regards to all the Leonard family.
Scotty