Mrs. Marcia Riordan Leonard

Marcia Riordan Leonard passed into God’s eternal care on April 15 at the age of 92 after a period of declining health. Born in South Bend, Indiana, on January 15, 1933, she was the 5th of 9 children. She began her passion and talent for art at the elbow of her father, Robert Riordan, who was a painter and professor at the University of Notre Dame. She was proficient in several media, but her preference was for pastels and watercolor.

Marcia attended the National College of Art in Dublin and graduated from the Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. Her work has been exhibited in both the United States and Ireland, and many of her portraits and watercolors are in private collections nationwide and in Europe.

After having lived in various places, including Ireland, she moved to Huntsville in 1966, and it became her home for the next almost 60 years. She was a highly accomplished artist and teacher, and was actively involved in the Huntsville Art scene as a member of the Huntsville Art League, the Alabama Watercolor Society, and The Committee. She was also a longtime parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Marsha was predeceased by her husband, William E. Leonard, her parents Dorothy S. and Robert B. Riordan,and her eight siblings.

Marsha is survived by her children, Maura L. Davies (John), Liam O. Leonard, Julie E. Leonard, Roisin L. Maxcey (George), Pauline S. Karpowicz (Ed), and Eamonn D. Leonard, and her grandchildren, Anna, Margaret, Jack, and Felix, as well as by her sister-in-law Cathy Riordan and many, many nieces and nephews.

Marcia’s children wish to express deepest gratitude to the O’Halloran family, Susie Robinson and the Right At Home Staff, as well as her health care team, Dr. Russell, Dr. Miriovsky, and Dr. Shahi, for the care and support they provided to her over the past few years. She was well loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 9-11am on Friday, April 25 at Valhalla Funeral Home 698 Winchester Rd NE Huntsville, AL 35811.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2pm on April 25 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 625 Airport Rd SW Huntsville, AL 35802.