ALBANY – Michele T. Leonard, 67, of Albany, died Thursday, March 7, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Michele was born in Albany, the daughter of the late James J. Leonard and Emma Michela Leonard. She was a graduate of Cathedral Academy grade school, Cardinal McCloskey Memorial High School, and the College of Saint Rose. She was employed by the Albany City Clerk’s office and the Albany City School District for a time, and then was a teacher at the former Holy Cross Grade School, where she also coordinated First Communion services. She was then employed by Albany County, and then by the New York State Dept. of Health, retiring last year as Director of Upstate Eligibility. She was an avid reader, and loved to cook, and kept others laughing with her quick wit.
Michele is survived by her beloved daughter Andrea Thorne; her sisters and brother Mary S. Leonard of Albany, Mark J. Leonard (Kimberlee) of Cohoes, and Ann R. Louer (David) of Albany; her nieces and nephews Victoria, Claire, and Marissa Leonard, and Daniel Louer; and by many cousins.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 8:00, and from there to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Eagle Street, Albany at 9:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 S Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202. 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 view Michele’s resting place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, New York.
Debra Renga
I’m so sorry for your loss, Andrea and family. I worked with Michele at DOH and she was a great boss and person. She always made me laugh.
Sanjeetha Bhogadi
My heartfelt condolence for Michele, may her soul rest in peace.
Jon Bick
Please accept my sincere and deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Michele. Please know that I will hold memories of her fondly and so will so many others she helped, fed, guided, loved and cherished as a friend, teacher, caregiver and coworker. I remember her often sharing an encouraging and understanding thought and being widely well respected for her knowledge and intellect. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin
Andrea, Ann and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Michele’s passing, I have very fond memories of Michele at the Dept of Health my prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Susan Goldfarb
Ann and the entire Leonard Family: My sincerest condolences to each of you as I believe Michele will be solely missed. She was a kind hearted loving person who adored her family and her daughter. May your memories of good times and laughter help you all through this time. I will miss her also,
Lauren Benoit
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.. I will always remember her as my 2nd grade teacher and what a great laugh she had. Andrea, my heart aches for you.
Helen Cavanagh
Andrea, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. I so enjoyed teaching with her at Holy Cross. She always had such a happy way about her and was so much fun to be around. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Schneider
Andrea, I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am at the loss of your MOM. Michelle was a wonderful person to know . We had so many memorable times working together at Holy Cross. As I think back on those times I laugh out loud at some of our antics. I am away in South Carolina for the winter, but will keep Michelle and you in my thoughts, prayers, and heart always! Linda Schneider
Paula Pugliese
Andrea and family: I am very sorry for your tremendous loss – Michele was sweet and kind and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the archane programming systems. Your mother Michele was always helpful and taught me and others so much! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mel Jimenez
Andrea, and Family, it is very sad to hear about Michelle. She was a great person, boss, and most importantly a Friend. She will be missed dearly. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Ken Kuk
I worked with Michele for many years. Her knowledge and work ethic were exemplary. Michele never denied a request to join me on field assignments Statewide. Local district Medicaid/Systems staff have also lost a true friend. Her work ethic was at the highest level….and always with a smile. I missed her when she retired and now will remember her as both a colleague and friend.
Stella
Andrea, and the Family, it was a sad day when I heard of passing away of my boss, my friend and a good adviser, words alone can not be used to express my sadness, Michelle was a great woman, always have positive things to talk about , she sure will be missed.
May her soul rest in peace, Andrea believe you have an angel watching over you.
Take Care and God bless.
Florence Paley-Cohen
Dear Andrea and all of .Shelley”s family.
What a loss to the world not having Shelley with us anymore. I pray tha she is at peace and that she knows how much she is missed. I loved Shelley like a sister in fact we once told someone that we were sisters so that we could sign up for a famiy pool membership. She will always be in my heart. May G-d comfort you all in this time of sorrow for you..My whole family would like to extend their condolenses as well. Andrea as I promised your mom, if youever need me I am there for you.
With all my love and my deepest sympathy
Florence
Avi
Dear Andrea,
I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. Michele was such a great lady and a great joy to speak with while passing through the halls. Please accept my condolences! May God bring you comfort and may your mom’s soul rest in peace.
God bless you,
Jennifer Goodall
Andrea,
I am so sorry about your mom. I’m thinking of you and your family.
Jen
Vince Zabinski
I just checked my email and read the unfortunate news. I’ve known the Leonard family for a long,long time, and spent many happy years teaching with Michelle. My heart goes out to the family…especially to Mary, Mark, and of course, Andrea. My most sincere sympathy.
Jonathan Graver
Offering condolences on the passing of Ms. Leonard, one of the best teachers at Holy Cross. No surprise to those who knew her, but that lady had backbone to spare and truly cared about education — a superlative English teacher and role model who fostered excellence and common sense in her classroom, everyday. She had a knack for making learning fun and relevant. Huge influence on my decision to finish college. I wish there were more teachers like her.
Godspeed, Ma’am, and thank you for looking out for us.
JG (HCS, Class of ’89)