Leona Ostrouch Dittfield

Leona was born on February 22, 1923 in Utica New York to the late Michael and Genevieve Ostrouch. She often shared stories reminiscent of her happy childhood. As a young lady during World War II she contributed to the war effort working for the Army Corp of Engineers. In 1949 she married Robert Edward Dittfield and together they raised their five children in Whitesboro NY. Summers were spent on the St Lawrence River and their love of the river was passed to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wonderful memories abound when the family thinks of the St Lawrence River, where Bob and Leona were blessed to spend 60 years together. Burial will be overlooking the river, beside her beloved husband.

In 1992 Leona and Bob moved to Apex NC to be closer to all of their grandchildren and remain an active part of their lives. Leona was an excellent seamstress, a wonderful gardener and as a bird lover, watching and feeding birds gave her great joy. Leona had a child-like happiness about her. She always had a smile on her face and shared her love of life until her last days.

Leona enjoyed many friendships as a member of the Town of Apex Senior Group, Golden Age Club and St Andrews Catholic Church. Leona was blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors.

In addition to her parents, Michael and Genevieve, she is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert Edward Dittfield; brother, Felix Ostrouch; sisters, Celia Dlugolecki, Sophie Szczesny, and Agnes Klossner; and granddaughter, Jennifer Lee Madden.

Survived by sisters Helen Wagner and Mary Baranowski.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Paula Leona Brown (John E) of Raleigh NC, Donald Timothy Dittfield of Frankfort NY, Ginny Dudek (Ed) of Durham NC, Dennis Robert Dittfield (Vicky Lee) of Little Elm Texas, Anne-Marie Cotton (John W) of Raleigh North Carolina.

Grandchildren; Jason Paul Brown (Jennifer) of Holly Springs NC, Steven Patrick Brown (Ali) of Holly Springs NC. Marc Dudek of Durham NC, Eric Dudek of Durham NC and Jocelyn Fogleman (Josh) of Durham NC. Jahyme Brown of Little Elm Texas. Pamela Beth Madden (Michael Merritt) of Kailua-Kona Hawaii, Michael Robert Madden (Blair) of Stateline Nevada.

Great-grandchildren; Brandon Yokley and Leah Scott Brown. Tyler, Cooper LaRue and Parker Leona Brown. Drew and Collin Dudek. Jax and Colt Dudek. Luke and Tanner (Ty) Fogleman. And, Clayton Madden.

A Catholic prayer service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 12:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home. Visitation prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Condolences can be shared at apexfuneral.net