Brenda Leonard, a trusted and beloved Book Group leader and organizer and educator, died on March 14, 2024. in Bradenton, Florida. She was 87. She died peacefully of natural causes after a brief stay in Hospice care.
Brenda was born in New York City, the second daughter of George H. and Rose Hitchman Leonard. Her father was an English professor at Fordham University and her mother a Kindergarten teacher. Brenda grew up in The Bronx, attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School, and graduated from the College of Mount St. Vincent in 1958. After passing the citywide teachers exam, she taught at PS 154 for over 40 years.
Over her lifetime, Brenda staunchly maintained her friendships with her teaching colleagues from PS 154. With her dear friend, Michele Mahoney, Brenda competed in the NYC Leggs Mini-Marathon and the Pepsi Mini-Marathon on behalf of PS 154. The faculty there was an extended family for Brenda, and she joyfully embraced their personal lives. Her trademark there was her talent for impromptu songwriting to celebrate retirement parties and other happy occasions.
Upon her retirement, Brenda relocated to Bradenton, Florida, and lived in Peridia Golf and Country Club. In a short time, Brenda developed close friendships with many Peridia residents. Together they enjoyed movie groups, theatre groups, book groups and line-dance classes taught by Brenda's late-sister, Clare Sutter.
Brenda was remarkable for her amazing memory, and she could easily recall the names and titles of every book or movie she ever read or saw in her entire life. She happily shared this talent and could suggest a title for "a good read" to anyone who asked. Her relationships with her friends brought her great happiness and fulfillment. Her quick wit and happy disposition will be sorely missed.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Roger Leonard and her sister, Clare Leonard Sutter. She is survived by her sister, Janet Leonard Auinger and nephews Christian and Philip Auinger of Vienna, Austria.
One of Brenda's dearest wishes was expressed by Sir Walter Scott. He wrote, in The Lay of the Last Minstrel, that a person's passing should best be observed "unwept, unhonored and unsung". This being Brenda's wish, there will be no funeral services. She will be buried with her family at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Westchester County, New York.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of the arrangements.
We imagine Brenda up in Heaven enjoying her bowl of coffee ice cream watching reruns of her favorite movies.
