The world lost a beloved mother and friend. Leona P. Nock, 94 passed peacefully on Friday, September 16, 2022 in her home as she had wished. Leona was born August 18,1928 in North Carolina, she moved to Virginia Beach when she was 16. Leona was married to the love of her life and her best friend Malcolm Nock for 44 years before passing in 1991.
Leona is survived by her three daughters Theresa Nock, Carole Rotella (husband Glen), and Tammy Poole (fiancé) Gregg; 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Leona lead a very blessed and full life. This extraordinary women was raised during the depression era and built a successful life by working shoulder to shoulder with her husband. She and her husband owned Ocean Park market while Shore Drive was the main highway to the waterfront, they also opened a snack bar and garden shop to serve locals and travelers alike. They were known for their bag of burgers and the sought after blue plate special of chicken and dumplings.
Leona felt it a privilege to serve the blind in the Lions Club for many years, she was also a smart business woman and in 1969 became an advocate for registering residents to vote and continued working in the polls. Leona loved to swim and would take a moonlight swim after closing the grocery store at night. Eventually traveling became a beloved pastime for her and Malcolm. Leona was a charter member of Bayside Baptist Church and even into her 80s did outreach for her Sunday school. She loved to garden in all forms whether it was flowers, vegetables or other seedlings. Leona was eco-friendly and a feminist before it was popular.
Her grandchildren share these memories of their Nana, they all share the same fondness for being around her kitchen table sharing stories or watching birds at the feeder while she made her famous grilled cheese. All Leona’s grandchildren understood she was stern yet supportive. Each one of them experienced her softness and understanding. Leona enjoyed taking her grandchildren to Lake Joyce to catch turtles and go fishing. But often times during a walk to the beach or around the block she would encourage them to do what they loved by teaching them about money management and the value of a strong work ethic. Leona’s great-grandchildren knew her as “Girl Boss”. All three grandchildren treasure the time spent in their youth and then into their adult age. Leona was very proud of all of her children and grandchildren.
A mother’s love is always with her children. Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her kindness, her boldness and her sassyness will live on as a legacy of love we will always carry with us.
Leona’s family will be receiving guest at her home 4316 Saint Albans ST, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. On Sunday September 25, 2022 between 4:00 & 7:00 pm,as she would have wanted. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the FoodBank or cure for Parkinson’s disease.
