Leona G. Dunleavy
Loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother
LOWELL Leona G. Dunleavy, 92, a lifelong resident of Lowell, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, August 24, 2013 after a short illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis J. Dunleavy, with whom she celebrated fifty years of marriage prior to his passing in January of 1998.
Born in Lowell on August 7, 1921 to the late Louis and Adele (Poirier) Godin, Leona received her education in Lowell public schools and was a proud graduate of the Lowell High class of 1940 and Lowell Commercial College.
During WW II, Leona worked for the Federal Government as an auditor at Whittemore Service Command Base, which was located at Fort Devens. In 1969, after her children were grown, she joined CTI where she served as the Director of Personnel and Payroll until her retirement in 1988.
Leona was a devout communicant of the Parish of St. Rita for over sixty years.
She will be deeply missed by her children, Patricia Dunleavy of Lowell, Eileen Sharples Dunleavy of New Bedford, James P. Dunleavy of Ruidoso, NM, and Kathy Vassilakos and her husband Harry of Lowell and daughter-in-law Joan Zwicker Dunleavy Gatzimas and her husband George of Westford. She was the devoted grandmother of Sara Dusenberg and her husband Chris of Columbia, MO, Jazmine Gramer and her husband William of Tyngsboro, Thomas Masterson of Lowell, Cara Sharples Rego and her husband Jonathan of New Bedford, and Alex Vassilakos of Lowell and the adored great grandmother of Audrey Dusenberg and Wilson, Jack and Emery Gramer. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Patricia Oliveira of Dracut and Stella Oliveira of Florida and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Leona was predeceased by her much loved twin sons Dennis J. Dunleavy and Brian F. Dunleavy, grandson Corey Sharples and brothers Ralph Godin and Alfred Godin.
At Leona’s request, her funeral mass and burial were held privately. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell, 336 Central Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or to Father Reed at CatholicTV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471
ARRANGEMENTS BY THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816. E-CONDOLENCE SITE WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM
