Marie Laetitia Woolley-Leon

Marie was Born in Haiti, on October 9, 1943. She moved to New York in the late 1960s, where she made her home for more than 50 years. In the 1980s, she married her late husband, William Leon, and they were married for over 20 years.

Marie enjoyed a successful career as an underwriter with The Guardian Life Insurance Company and Aetna Life Insurance Company, where she handled high-profile cases throughout her professional journey. She attended Queens College in the 1970s and earned her degree in English. In 2011, Marie earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health from New York University, where she was a proud member of the Alumni Association.

Marie’s love language was food. She proudly identified herself as a “foodie,” and whether she was enjoying a meal or preparing and serving a delicious home-cooked dish, she connected with others best around the table.

Marie was trilingual and traveled extensively throughout the world over the past 30 years. Her journeys took her to places including Vietnam, Turkey, Thailand, Guatemala, Ireland, Cuba, Japan, and Nigeria. She was an avid yoga enthusiast and instructor and was a member of the Long Island Yoga Association, where her love of travel grew even deeper.

Marie had a love of learning, which she nurtured through travel and a deep passion for reading. She was also a member of numerous clubs and organizations, including the Red Hats, the Clayton Book Club, the Food Pantry at St. Ann’s Church, and the local Cooking Club.

A deeply devoted Catholic, Marie was a proud member of St. Ann’s Church and Parish. She served as a Eucharistic Minister for over a decade at her former parish on Long Island, New York. Marie loved music, laughter, and surprising others. She had a gentle demeanor and a generous heart, and she found joy in bringing happiness to those around her.

Marie is survived by her only child and beloved daughter, Desiree Leon, and her son-in-law, Matthew, whom she adored. She also leaves behind her four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews, including William, Patrick, Fabien, Maigan, Sebastian, and Jaqueline as well as her beloved goddaughter, Regine.

Marie will always be remembered as “Joie de Vie,” meaning the “Joy of Life” with her energetic, loving, and vibrant nature. She was a lover of life who lived fully and continued to learn and grow throughout her years. Her passing was a devastating loss to her family, friends, and community. She was deeply loved and will be missed tremendously by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family welcomes loved ones and friends to join them in honoring Marie at her farewell visitation on Sunday, August 16, 2026, From 6:00pm-8:00pm at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC.

A funeral mass will follow on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 12:00pm at St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton, NC. The family will receive visitors in the parish center from 11:00am-12:00pm, just prior to the mass. Entombment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton, NC.

Marie was ahead of her time and was gone far too soon but her love and impact will last forever.