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Mary T. Leonard, 95, mother of former Phila. controller

Mary T. Leonard, 95, a longtime resident of Fairmount and mother of 14 children, including former Philadelphia Controller Thomas A. Leonard III, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Hearth at Drexel of complications from a fall.

Mary T. Leonard
Mary T. LeonardRead more

Mary T. Leonard, 95, a longtime resident of Fairmount and mother of 14 children, including former Philadelphia Controller Thomas A. Leonard III, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Hearth at Drexel of complications from a fall.

Mrs. Leonard was the third of eight children of Julia and Ed Kelly. She was baptized at St. Francis Xavier Church in Fairmount and attended the parish's elementary school. She graduated first in her class from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School in 1938.

After high school, she worked briefly at the former Defense Supply Depot as a secretary.

In 1942, she married her childhood sweetheart, Thomas A. Leonard II.

"They formed an indomitable partnership based on love and faithfulness to the Gospel," said her family in a remembrance.

The two worked tirelessly to make sure their large brood had a comfortable home and a promising future.

"My mother possessed both physical and spiritual stamina," said her son, the city's controller from 1979 until 1983.

Mrs. Leonard had a quick wit and an easygoing personality. She had a gift for always smiling and making those around her feel better. She constantly reminded her family of the importance of prayer.

"For many years, we prayed the rosary together as a family, every evening after dinner," her family said.

After her husband died in 1983, Mrs. Leonard dedicated herself to the service of others. She volunteered at St. Francis Xavier Church, babysat for her grandchildren, and opened her home to anyone in need.

At 66, she became a traveler and toured the globe with her friends.

Many sought her out for advice. Her favorite motto was, "Be good. Stay close to God, and all of your troubles will be little ones."

Besides her son, she is survived by sons James, Francis, John and William; daughters Joan Schlotterbeck, Anne, Margaret, Teresa Logue, and Nancy Voter; 34 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. Children Maryellen Weinberg, Edward, Joseph, and Patricia - died earlier.

A Funeral Mass is to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the Oratory at St. Francis Xavier Church, 2319 Green St.

Visitation is to be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Dinan Funeral Home, 1923 Spring Garden St., and Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment is in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

Donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home, 5300 Chester Ave., Philadelphia 19143.

bcook@phillynews.com

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