Marie Leonard

Marie Leonard, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024 surrounded by her loving family members. She was 94 years old.

Marie was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 21, 1930, and graduated from Haddon Heights (N.J.) High School. Soon after, she married R. Roy Leonard, Sr., and resided in numerous places in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before settling in Turnersville, N.J. for 51 years and most recently, Pitman, N.J.

A dedicated stay-at-home mother and homemaker, Marie was a constant source of warmth, compassion, and wisdom. It was her life’s mission to ensure her 8 children knew they were unconditionally loved and cherished. Her legacy lives through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her example as a wife and mother provided a sterling role model for them to emulate.

A highly involved member of her community, Marie was a devout and active member of the Haddonfield, N.J. United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed her many years with the Wedgewood Women’s Club and Mary Duffield’s prayer and share group. She also worked as an election worker for many years.

Marie was pre-deceased by her husband of 58 years, R. Roy, Sr.; brother Jim (Ann); and sister-in-law Neva Aldridge (Bill). She is survived by her children, R. Roy, Jr. (Marie); Jeffrey (Kathy and the late Susan); Mark (Melinda); Barbara Dudas (Dwight); Julie Balkenhol (George); Robert (Eileen); Richard (Deana); and Amy Safko (Gregory). Additionally, she leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, soon to be 16.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Marie’s viewing from 6:00 – 8:00 on Thursday at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Rd., Washington Township (Sewell) N.J., with visitation on Friday from 9:30 – 10:45 and funeral services at 11:00 at Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Rd., Haddonfield, N.J. Interment alongside her husband will be held at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown, N.J.

The family will be eternally grateful for the loving care and extraordinary efforts of the staffs of the Pitman Manor senior community and Suncrest Hospice. Accordingly, in lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any memorial contributions be made in Marie’s name to Pitman Manor, United Methodist Communities, 535 N. Oak Ave., Pitman, N.J. 08071.