Jessica Leonard

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Jessica Leonard, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

Jessica was born on August 28, 1998 at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville in Bowmanville, Ontario. She was the daughter of Clarence and Sheila Leonard. Raised in Bowmanville, Ontario, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. She learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her.

Jessica was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to accept the feelings of others, Jessica was able to avoid conflicts. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Jessica also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Jessica had an older brother, Michael. Jessica was constantly involved in activities with her family. Jessica and her brother had a special connection while growing up and they deeply cared for each other and shared many happy experiences.

Jessica was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Jessica was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did, Jessica was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Jessica took part in a number of activities. She took part in Bowling, Soccer, and Basketball. She was a member of the Clarington Wado-Kai Karate Club, the Youth Bowling Canada League (2005-2008) in the Bantam division, Bowmanville United Soccer Club (2004-2005) and the Skate Canada Program, CANSKATE (2001-2003). In her spare time she liked reading, drawing, playing her guitar, video games and listening to music. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors at the cottage.

Jessica's memorable achievements included Graduated Grade 8 from St. Joseph's French Immersion Centre as an Honour Student and awarded the medal for perseverance. This award is given the student who gives 100% effort to school life and makes a positive difference within the school community. She also received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award as she maintained the highest overall average of 90% throughout her grade 8 year. She was accepted into the Trent University Enrichment Program 2011-2012.

In 2005 at the age of 7, Jessica joined the Clarington Wado-Kai Karate Club. She was the youngest student ever to be accepted into the club because she had that spirit and determination to learn. She attended many tournaments, received many special recognitions and achieved several important milestones in such a small timeframe. She was also given the opportunity to teach other students within the Clarington club helping them to achieve their belt levels. In February 2012, at the age of 13, she achieved 1st degree Jr. Black belt rank which allowed her to wear the Red belt to signify her milestone.

Jessica enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Jessica was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Jessica was meticulous and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents allowed her to be successful at anything she attempted to do at school. Jessica enjoyed some courses more than others, but her favourite subject was Math.

Most folks would say that Jessica was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Jessica was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Jessica best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Jessica kept. These friends were Allyssa Bowen, Alycea Madison, Bailey Breen, Chanel Frank, Emilie Kalita, Emilie Lehoussel, Laura Amisson, Natalie Jung, Reid Martin, Seanoha Finigan, Shauna Bracken, Ben Simon, Brody Carder, Cody Copland, Drake Smithson, Ethan Calvano, Graydon Meeks, Lucas Curran, and Michael Antaya. However her best friends were Rowan Palmer, Aili Palmer, Marie-Josée Charette, and Sophie Charette.

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Jessica. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Bowmanville for 14 years.

Jessica passed away on October 11, 2012 at Bowmanville, Ontario. She is survived by her parents Clarence and Sheila and her brother Michael. Services were held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Bowmanville on Wednesday October 17, 2012. Jessica was laid to rest in Bowmanville Cemetery, Bowmanville, Ontario.

Jessica was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person. You always knew where you stood with her. She was thorough, practical and was very literal with her words. Jessica was the kind of person to whom everyone was drawn. She accepted and respected everyone she knew for their individual differences knowing that we all make a contribution to this world. She will be missed.

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LEONARD, Jessica Marie – passed away on Thursday October 11, 2012 at the age of 14. Dearly loved daughter of Clarence and Sheila Leonard. Dear sister of Michael. Loving grand-daughter of Ethel and the late John Leonard, and Harold and the late Grace Holmes. Loved niece of Ben and Linda Leonard (Jessica’s Godparents), Terry Leonard, Fidelis (Bernice) Leonard, Jackie Leonard (Monty Hulan), Randy (Leanne) Leonard, Ken (Brenda) Holmes, Linda (Rénald) Gilbert, Graham (Carla) Holmes and Barbara Weir. Jessica will be greatly missed by her cousins; John, Legour, Bradley, Robyn, Duztyn, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Ethan and Caleb. Jessica will be resting at the COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1587 Highway #2, Courtice (905-432-8484) where relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday October 16th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 127 Liberty St. S., Bowmanville on Wednesday October 17th at 11a.m. Interment Bowmanville Cemetery.