Leanore Bruna Williams

Leanore (Lee) Bruna Williams passed away peacefully on September 12, 2022. She was born April 28, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York to Philomena & Frank Gaglianello. In New York, she attended elementary school, Bay Ridge High School, and Brooklyn College. After two years at Brooklyn College, she transferred to the University of Miami. In 1959 Lee graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Education. While at the University of Miami, Lee was the President of the Italian Club and a member of the Association of Childhood Education, International. After graduating from the University of Miami, she went on to teach at Flagami Elementary School for 30 years. She received her Masters of Education in June 1963. In 1965, she married Charles (Charlie) Williams, and they celebrated 54 years of marriage in 2020.

Lee was extremely active in the community. She raised funds for the American Cancer Association each year by requesting support from hundreds of businesses in Coral Gables. In addition, she was a faithful and generous supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Lee was a member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America and was elected as Vice President of her district. She has been an Elkette for over 40 years: she was a member, Chairperson, and President of the Elkettes for the Elks Lodge #948. She was a Chairman for the Florida Girls State Programs through the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as the Entertainment Books and Choral Group Chairman. Lee was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at her parish, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. She and Charlie sang in the choir for many years and even toured Europe. She also served as a Hospital Minister at South Miami Hospital for 28 years. Lee will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place., Memphis, TN 38105 and/or St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church at 7377 SW 64th Street., Miami, FL 33143.

A visitation for Leanore will be held Friday, September 30, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, 11655 SW 117 Ave, Miami, Florida 33186. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 12:30 PM at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, 7310 SW 62 St, Miami, Florida 33143. An entombment will occur Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Flagler Memorial Park, 5301 W Flagler St, Miami, Florida 33144.