Herscha Ann Leon

Herscha Harris Gillett Leon passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at the Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care in New Port Richey, Florida, surrounded by the love and prayers of family and friends near and far, compassionate caregivers, and her beloved dog, Coco Puff, her faithful companion of 16 years.

Born to Leslie Harris and Lorraine Leatha Whitaker Galley, Herscha was lovingly welcomed into the family of her stepfather, Robert Galley. She was known for her kindness, resilience, and compassionate spirit.

Herscha worked throughout her career in nursing, junior accounting, and medical billing in New York, Arizona, Virginia, and Florida, with Arizona holding a special place in her heart. She will be remembered for her loving heart, caring nature, wonderful sense of humor, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. She loved to dance and enjoyed music, especially Elvis, 1950s rock ’n’ roll and country music, as well as flowers and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Harris and Lorraine Leatha Whitaker Galley; her stepfather, Robert Galley; and her first husband, Richard C. Gillett and her step . She is survived by her husband, Carman John Leon Sr.; her children, Donna Lynn Gillett, Lorri Ann Gillett Zelaznik, Lisa Jean Gillett, and Robert Richard Gillett (Jessica Lynne Gillett); her stepchildren Carmen Leon Jr, Caron Stiff (Leon), David Leon and Edward Leon; her grandchildren, Caitlyn Fogu (RJ), Rachel Marsh (great granddaughters Lana Dordell and Anaiyah Marsh) Kelly Michelle Zelaznik Fijalkowski (Kyle), Inda Gillett Fitch (Josh); (her great-grandchildren, Weston Fitch), Megan Swackhammer (Randy) Zach Gillett, Haley Mendoza (Joey)(great grandson Elias Mendoza), Peyton Gillett (great granddaughter Elaina Gillett), Dylan Gillett (Sara); (great grandson Henry Gillett) ;her siblings, Janet Galley Maine, Ron Galley, James L. Harris, Allan W. Harris, and Ross E. Harris; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Herscha’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, laughter, and compassion that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services to Celebrate her Life will be held at Loyless Funeral Home, 5310 Land O’Lakes Blvd, Land O’Lakes Fl, 34639, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by the Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. Interment is scheduled on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 1:00pm, Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241.

The service will be livestreamed starting at 2:00pm at the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f260752279870