Tennie and I volunteered at memorial Sloan Kettering cancer center. It was such a gift to have known her. Tennie had a beautiful voice and such a loving heart. We also were members of the same synagogue in Manhattan. May she rest in . Peace.   Joanie.

Sending love to you dear Tennie on this anniversary of you passing from here to there! I miss you here but I know they love you there! xoxo Michèle

TENNEY WAS A WONDERFUL,.TALENTED LADY FULL OF FUN AND LIF.E A DELIGHT TO KNOW THE FINXCH GALS ,INLUDUDING ME MISS HER   NINA DIGIOVANNA LABRUNA

I volunteered with Tennie for several years at memorial  Sloan Kettering. We were in pediatrics. She was a joy to know and a beautiful talented soul. May she Rest In Peace.  

Tennie volunteered in my classroom for many years and the children adored her. She sang and dance and brought so much joy! She will be missed in the school community and I will miss our dates to Elis more than anything! 

Tennie was a dear, lovely friend of our hospital and a truly selfless volunteer who helped teach our students and residents the art of medicine. As a trained actor, Tennie created lifelike simulated medical experiences to help our hospital’s trainees learn how to communicate more effectively with caregivers in emergencies. In this photo she taught a resident doctor how to care for a critically ill child in shock while emphasizing the importance of calm compassionate care. Tennie was a kind, gracious friend who shared her singing talents and generosity to lift us all up. We will miss her dearly.

The first time I met Tennie, it was after one of her performances in the Village. Jeff and I hadn’t been dating long but as he introduced me, she gave me a hug and whispered “welcome to the family”. I felt that warmth and love from her for the next 30 years. Always easy to be with, we always said goodbye with smiles on our faces. Sadly, COVID robbed us of time together the past two years, but I’m thankful for the memories before that, especially our trip to see Once on Broadway, and our recent Thanksgivings together. Tennie was young at heart until her last day. She left us too soon. 

My Dear Aunt Tennie,

You were so very special to Michele and I.  I am relieved to be able to say that I think you knew that.  How did we love thee? Let us count the ways.  We loved you when you were good and when you were bad....even better. Your joie de vivre was contagious and somehow we just couldn't stay down for long being around you.  You gave liberally of your time to those who were hurting.  You adored children....if not small animals.  You were New York chic before "Sex & The City".  Most importantly, you loved us unconditionally and you brought us so much laughter and joy.  I think my favorite memory of our many many adventures was the evening we went to see  "Once" on Broadway.  The adaptation of the film was a single scene play set in a bar in Dublin which was recreated on the stage.  For the presentation we attended, the theater guests were invited to arrive early and have a drink at the Dublin bar on stage.  We met for dinner at one of our usual spots Cafe Un Deux Troi, then proceeded to accept the producers' offer of a pre-theater drink.  We walked down the rows of theater seats and up the ramp onto the stage.  We bought a drink at the bar of the Irish pub scene as the actors and theater goers drifted on stage and turned around.  You walked us to the front of the stage and with tears in your eyes said "I have wanted to stand here my entire life".....as if a childhood dream were coming true right then.  You were born for Broadway Auntie, and it was our great pleasure to be included in your extensive cast of friends.  Being out on the town with you always made people feel a little bit of a star.  You will forever be missed....but especially at Christmas time in New York when we always got together to celebrate birthdays and the holiday season.  It will feel so lonely to finish dinner, burst out onto the street and sing Happy Holidays! and not hear your bella voce  in refrain.  Goodbye Aunt Tennie we loved you so, but we know....you loved us more. 

My favorite memory of Tennie is going to hear her sing in a little club in Hollywood some time in the 90s.  She was so classy in the way she sang those old standards.  Her phrasing was better than Sinatra's. You could feel her warmth in the lyrics.  I bought her CD which Tennie autographed as a gift for my mom,  who loved jazz and show tunes.  My mom played that CD for years on her boom box, singing along with Tennie.  They never met, but I'll bet they are singing together in the hereafter.  Sinatra will have to listen.

I met Tennie in a class at Hb studio and we became friends 
We did several scenes together including Gingerbread Lady and Marvin’s Room
We also worked together as Standardized patients at Weill Cornell
We often met for dinner and shared our lives 
I will miss her 

These comments all reinforce what a special, loving and vibrant person Tennie was. She made each of us feel like the most important person in the world in the moments we shared. Her strength in adversity was inspiring. But her joie de vivre is really what we will all remember most. She was an amazing friend and a true force of nature. Sending my deepest condolences to all who will miss her so. 

Sending my condolences… Tennie shopped in my store, Lingerie & Company for many years and of course I have wonderful memories of her vibrant personality… She often invited me down to a small piano bar in the village where she would be singing…. She volunteered at my daughters public school… my last memory of her goes back to just three weeks ago when she popped into the store and sang a quick little show tune. So.... although I am not family just know that she will be remembered by some odd stranger with a lingerie store in New York City!

Take care…

Mark Peress

Tennie was a very special person, to me and so many others. I knew her only for about the past 7 years, and yet, felt I knew her so much longer. She was talented, dynamic, encouraging, sincere and caring. At my birthday the ladt year, she sang a magnificent original song for me. I shall miss her laughter, smiles and positive persona immensely. I am a better person for having know Tennie. I shall miss her dearly.  Stan 

My husband and I feel that when Tennie passed we not only lost a neighbor but a friend.  We feel the silence coming from her next door apartment filling the air.  A beautiful voice has been silenced but the memory remains.

Tennie was full of love, joy and enthusiasm! One of her greatest joys was volunteering  at with children at MSK. She once told me that in singing and making them smile she found enormous purpose in her life. She was a fantastic friend. If you had even the slightest problem she would go out of her way to find a solution. Her love for her family was unmeasurable. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Lauren, Maddie and Raffie. Lesley Kaminsky 

When I was 4 years old and the Bernstein family lived mostly in Brooklyn my mother took me to the Milton Bernstein apartment to see the new baby, Tennie. It was very quiet and I thought my Mother had fooled me.I said There is no baby here because I don’t hear a baby crying. Tennie was there and it was one of the few times Tennie was quiet.
Tennie was named after her maternal Grandmother Clementine ,who had passed away and was known as Tennie.

I was once in Rome, at a shabbat meal with about 50 people, and there was a woman there who happened to live on 79th near 3rd.  I asked her on a whim if she knew my auntie, and started to describe her. "Oh! The lady that sings in the supermarket! Sure I know her! Everybody knows her!"
Everybody knew my auntie but only a couple of people got to be her little niece, and I had that pleasure. It's impossible with Tennie to say you were a favorite because everyone she met was a favorite. She regarded every person as if they were the only person in that moment, the most special person in that moment and a "darling."  In that way she fulfilled the difficult life task of emulating G-d. 
 I have special childhood memories of  sleepovers, theater, movies, ballet, and having the coolest wardrobe because my auntie made sure of that.  And in my decade as a teen/twentysomething living in NYC, granny, auntie and I were quite the amusing trio about town. They were singing and I was cowering. 
Tennie excelled at loving all people and living life joyfully. I hope she lights up the heavens.

I’m filled with sadness as I never expected this year to be Tennie’s last. She loved life, she loved connecting with people and brought joy to many. I met Tennie at Zitomer.  She was our beloved customer and we all cherished her. 
There was never a dull moment with Tennie around.  She was charming, captivating and so gracious.  I enjoyed attending her shows, and she loved her audience.  Tennie was undeniably receptive to others, always caring, always reciprocating… 
she will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to her family whom she adored. Tennie’s memories will never fade, nor would our love and appreciation for her. Rest In Peace forever 🙏


Tennie was an extraordinary woman - talented - volunteered with children at hospitals - brought many good times to The Finch College Alumni group.  A scholarship in Tennie's name will enable a deserving young woman to gain a college education and open horizons and life opportunities.  We will miss Tennie's beautiful voice.

Lois Ziegler

Tennie was a beautiful human being.  She always took interest in others and wanted to be of service.  She was indeed a vibrant person full of life with a heart full of love and song.  I went to see her perform several times in the past few years at "Don't Tell Mama" and was so inspired by her moxy.  She was always very kind to me personally and took interest in my life and followed me on Facebook.  I will miss you "Bella Voce".

I became the Resident manger/Superintendent of 201, March 2021. I was fortunate enough to meet Ms. Leonard few days after my first day at the building.  I recall  she asked me to swing by her apartment so that we can have a proper introduction. From the moment I walked in I recall her taking off her sunglasses and saying “ hold on, I want to get a good look at the new superintendent”. As she removed her glasses she says“Darling your so young”. After a brief conversation she pointed  out she had a few light bulbs out and I asked her, “do you have the bulbs? I’m here I can replace them now” While replacing the bulbs Ms. Leonard starts to sing to me. That voice!!! coming  out of this little lady had  me at a loss for words. I told her “from now on anytime I come to your apartment you have to sing to me. Sure enough she sang to me anytime I was in her apartment to check on issues she had.  She was loved by many here in the building and will truly be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family. 

We are so saddened to learn of Tennie's passing.  We always had such a good time in our book club at 201 E 79th Street! We also enjoyed listening to Tennie sing and perform at Don't Tell Mama.  Tennie always had a smile on her face and was always donating her time to help others in need. She was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly.  RIP Tennie.  We love and miss you very much.  Ellen Katz and Barry Newman

Tennie was such a special person. She was a force. A firecracker. So vibrant and spirited. She had a heart of gold. I studied with her for many years with Terry Schreiber. We were often paired up together as scene partners and each time was such a profound experience. I remember specifically, we worked on a scene from The Beauty Queen of Leenane. We played a mother and daughter who had a very dysfunctional experience. We worked together for months on this very difficult scene. She would always offer to have me at her lovely apartment. She treated me like a daughter. She gave me so much love. The scene ended up being so rewarding and we both learned so much about acting and each other. I cherish those memories. She was so generous and caring. I regret losing touch with her over the years but her memory will forever be with me. Sending love to her family and all who loved her. 

I spoke with Tennie by phone last Wednesday, January 5th.  She had called me because she was excited and very upbeat about the upcoming May 19 & 26  dates she had booked  at a downtown supper club.  Since I am the Editor of the Finch News as well as a member of the  Finch Special Events Committee, she reached out to me to help spread the word.  During our conversation,  I asked if she would do me the honor of being the guest star  in our upcoming IN THE SPOTLIGHT segment of the Finch News.  She was delighted, and we agreed to speak again soon to set up a phone interview for the piece.  As we were saying our goodbyes,  she  asked, "You've got my  number,  right?" and  when I answered by singing a few bars of the song "I've Got Your Number," we both had a good laugh.  That was the last time we spoke, because Tennie died two days later.  Although it is customary for me to highlight the lives and accomplishments of Finch alums who are still with us, the  upcoming Spring issue column will  be dedicated to Tennie.  

Tennie was an extraordinary ,woman talented ,bright ,charismatic and a good friend She shall be misses by all who new hew My deepest sympathies Nina LaBruna

Tennie was an inspiration to young women.  Ahead of her time, she led with grace, humour and determination. The Finch alumni scholarship programme to which she dedicated time and resources opened doors to women that they could only dream of.  A great legacy of which her family can be proud.- from a fellow alumnus.

Tennie and I met at the Sales Executive Club in NYC in the late 1970’s.  We were one of the first female members of the once all male club. We became instant friends. I recall seeing her in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. She was a gifted singer and talent.  I remember Tennie Leonard as a classy, spunky talented woman.  May she Rest In Peace..

Tennie was a loving and loyal client, colleague, and beloved friend since David Brunetti and I first musical directed and directed her act at Judy’s. We were a merry little group for many years. Always stylish, always singing, my Preshus was one of a kind. Although tiny, she leaves a huge hole in the lives of those of us fortunate enough to have been loved by her. 

Tenny was a very special person - filled with life, energy, and love. Tenny and I worked together many years ago. That's where I learned about Tenny's creativity and endless desire to deliver excellence, as she also did when she sang. Her singing brought so much happiness to all. Thank you, Tenny, for being our friend. You were a treasure.

Tennis, you were always an upbeat cousin. I remember play dates at your apartment and times at Kinni. I also remember how my grandmother (your Aunt Stella) would quell every time you got up to sing. My deepest sympathy to your brother, daughter, and granddaughter.
Your cousin, Jo Ann

OBITUARY

Tennie Leonard

November 26, 1937 – January 7, 2022

Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel

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