Lisbeth Leonard

Lisbeth “Betty” Leonard of Southbury CT, formally of Darien CT, passed peacefully on September 27, having just reached her 98th birthday. She retained her sweetness and cheerfulness to the very end, and will be missed by all who knew her.

During nearly 60 years in Darien, she was very much a part of the community, signing for many years in the First Presbyterian Church choir and the Greenwich Choral Society. She was a founding member of the Troupers Light Opera Company, performing for many years on stage and serving a term as the group’s president. In later years, there was always a special place in her heart for memories of her Trouper years, and her fellow “Troupers”.

When Darien sponsored an outreach program to include foreign students, she welcomed Ender Kaya of Turkey inter her home for his senior year at Darien High, regarding him as a fourth son. After raising her family, she worked for years at Middlesex Junior High, commuting on her bicycle. During this period she attended St Paul’s, forming a special bond with the women in St Paul’s Bible study group.

Moving to Pomperaug Woods in Southbury in 2006, she attended the United Church of Christ for as long as she was able. During her final years, she amazed everyone with her determination and energy.

Above all, her family was her life. She is survived by her three sons, Skip, Doug and Dan, and by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brilliant husband of 67 years, George Hamlin “Ham” Leonard. Memorial gifts may be made to Americares, which is currently providing hurricane disaster relief. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

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