K. Jeanne Leonard

K. Jeanne (VanHook) Leonard died peacefully on Monday, May 2 at her home in Orleans. Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, Jeanne and her late husband, Joseph, raised their family in Wayne, NJ before retiring to Orleans in 1980.

Following her graduation from College of Mount Saint Vincent, NY, she enjoyed a brief career as a high school math teacher before marrying the love of her life. Jeanne and Joe were married for 60 years at the time of his death in 2006. During their many years of retirement they enjoyed fishing (he caught it and she cooked it), gardening, and traveling throughout the world. Her pride and joy were her family. A talented woman, her many hobbies included sewing, knitting, quilting, reading, and gardening. She was devout in her faith and a parishioner of St. Joan Of Arc Church, Orleans.

In addition to her late husband, Jeanne was preceded in death by her son, Joseph F., Jr., and her brothers Charles and James VanHook and sister Loretta Mault.

Survivors include her sons, Robert, Colorado Springs, CO; John Kevin, Harwich, MA; Michael, Owego, NY; Mark, Hewitt, NJ; Paul, Brewster MA; Matthew, Orleans MA and daughters Kathleen Bashaw, Palm Coast FL; Mary Beth Weston, Ponte Vedra FL; Nancy Atieh, Morristown NJ; Maureen Baker, Berthoud CO; and Laura Brown, Brewster MA. Her brother, Bernard VanHook, Suffern NY; sisters Pauline Sierens, Miami, FL and Eleanor Troy, Pompton Plains, NJ. She leaves behind 30 cherished grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Jeanne was a very special woman and will be greatly missed.

The family wants to express their deep gratitude to BroadReach Hospice for the loving care they provided to Jeanne.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, May 6 from 5-8 at Nickerson Funeral Home, Orleans. A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 7 at 10am, St Joan of Arc, Orleans. Burial will follow at Orleans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeanne’s memory to BroadReach Hospice, 390 Orleans Rd, Chatham, MA 02650 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please visit www.nickersonfunerals for online condolences.