MARGARET WILMA (WILLIE) LEONE

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MARGARET WILMA (WILLIE) LEONE Margaret Wilma "Willie" Leone, beloved wife, mother, and Nana, passed peacefully Monday afternoon at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She was surrounded by those who continue to love her most, her family. Willie was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on September 3, 1935. She was the younger of two daughters of Margaret (née Bell) and William Cunningham. Her sister, Isabel, was 14 years her senior. She and Willie loved each other deeply. Willie became involved with figure skating early in her life. She earned her nickname as a young woman, while performing across the country with the Ice Follies. She was a graceful skater, known for her bright spirit. The Ice Follies also brought her to Pittsburgh, PA, where she met her husband, John A. Leone. He was the love of her life. John and Willie were married in April 1956 in Bay City, Michigan. Together they raised a family of four children, John Richard, Susan Anne, Elizabeth, and Jennifer. Throughout their lives, they lived in many different places, including Pennsylvania, Venezuela, Illinois, Belgium, and Michigan. Willie made many dear friends and served as a gracious hostess everywhere she went. The Leones settled into their current home on Saucon Valley Road in 1984, but continued to travel the world together. Willie was an important source of strength for John as he advanced in his career as a petroleum engineer and entrepreneur. She believed in him intensely, giving him the confidence to succeed. With Willie's support, John eventually acquired Bonney Forge Corp, which has manufacturing operations in Mt. Union, PA, Houston, TX, Bergamo, Italy, and Shanghai, China. She also fully supported the family's considerable philanthropy. Willie is preceded in death by her eldest son, Rick Leone. She is survived by her husband, her children, Susan Leone, Elizabeth Almer, and Jennifer Slayton, sons-in-law Alan Svaboda, Charles Almer, and Mark Slayton, and her six grandchildren, Ellia, Kelsey, and Maddie Almer and Alyssa, Brett, and Elaina Slayton. They each have warm memories of her constant poise, sincere guidance, and quick wit, but most of all her fierce devotion to her family. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 2 at 11:00 a.m., at Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, PA, with a reception to follow at Saucon Valley Country Club. Another service will be held on Friday, July 5 at 11:00 a.m., at St Catherine of Siena Church in Mount Union, PA, with a reception to follow at the Bonney Forge Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Lung Association, The Grier School for girls, or the Pennsylvania State University College of Arts and Architecture Willie Leone endowed scholarship fund in music and dance. Send online condolences to www.connellfuneral.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2013