Sheila Ellen Leonard (nee English) age 85, entered eternal rest on December 16, 2024. Passed away peacefully at Western Reserve Hospice House in Medina, Ohio. Beloved wife of the late James Michael Leonard. Dear daughter of the late Francis J. and Marie C. English. Dearest mother of Charles James Leonard (Kathleen), Daniel Edward Leonard (Mary), Patricia Ann Wyzykowski and the late Maureen Ellen Leonard Cundiff (John). Dearest sister of Maureen English, John T. English (Kathleen), the late Charles English (Barb), and the late infant Patrick English. Dearest cousin to many including Mary Lou Engasser (late Al) and Dianne McDonough (late Tom). Precious grandmother known lovingly as "Chickie" of Bethany Ardrey (Roderick), Ellen Wyzykowski, Lee Cundiff (fiancée Shannon Tomshack), and Matthew Wyzykowski. Precious great-grandmother "Chickie" of Liam, Lilaine, Rayah, Nolan, Gwyneth, Riley, Conrad, Ruaridh, and Francis. Dear step-grandmother of Erik Jorgensen (Maggie), and Amber Jorgensen. Dear step-great grandmother of Alexis, Ceana, Alaya, and Kala. Dear sister-in-law of the late Joseph Leonard (Mary), the late Catherine Forrey (Jack), and the late Jerome and Jill Leonard. Dear aunt, great aunt, cousin, and special friend to many!
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget of Kildare Parish on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 9:30 AM, 5620 Hauserman Rd. Parma, Ohio. Friends may call at The Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd., Parma, Ohio 44129 (betw. Snow & Ridge) on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Western Reserve Hospice House in Medina for their loving care.
Sheila attended St. Rose of Lima, St. Joseph Academy, Ursuline College, and St. John's College. In the early 1960s Sheila taught grade 5 at St. Vincent De Paul School. For over three decades Sheila taught PSR (formerly CCD) at St. Bridget School in Parma, Ohio.
Sheila believed very strongly in and had devotion to the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary. To that end she served many years with the Legion of Mary at St. Bridget Church.
Sheila was an active member of AA and was always willing to share her story and spend time with anyone who needed help. Sheila was a sponsor to many program members.
Very proud of her Irish heritage Sheila enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day with family and friends, and she made an amazing Irish Soda bread.
Sheila's grandfather John Cooney immigrated from Achill Isle (County Mayo) to Cleveland, Ohio in 1865. Maria McLaughlin (Sheila's great- grandmother) immigrated to Philadelphia, PA from Castlebar (County Mayo) in 1888. Sheila's paternal great-grandfather Patrick English immigrated from Achill Island to New York City in 1866.