Rhea Leonard

Rhea Gauthier Leonard was called home to heaven on Friday, January 29, 2021 at the age of 96 years. She passed peacefully in her sleep at the Holmstad Community in Batavia, Illinois.

 Rhea was born in Aldenville, Massachusetts on July 14, 1924.  She was the daughter of Jacob and Rhea Gauthier and lived in Massachusetts and Rhode Island until relocating to Illinois 18 years ago.

 She was preceded in death by her four siblings Lionel, Conrad, Viola and Henry Gauthier.  Her loving husband Edward Leonard passed in 1985.

 Rhea is survived by her 2 children and their spouses, Gary (Grace) Leonard Colonel, USAF, Retired and Carol (Michael) Leonard Moscardi-Green; four grandchildren, Edward and Charles Leonard, Christian and Courtney Moscardi; and many nieces and nephews.

 Rhea was an avid indoor and outdoor gardener, bird watcher and competitive walker, participating in Senior Olympic activities for many years. She enjoyed baking and continually delighted her family with delicious desserts and cookies.

In her youth, Rhea enjoyed dancing and roller skating.  She was bilingual, speaking both, English and French, and often reminded her family of her proud French-Canadian heritage with wonderful family stories, traditions, and food.

 Rhea worked early in her life as a talented administrative assistant at a large insurance company until becoming a homemaker and mother, raising her family with love and devotion.  She showed respect for all people and taught her children it was important to do the same.  Rhea dearly loved her family and was very proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. Rhea will be deeply missed by all.

 May God rest you in Peace and Love and fly you home " On Eagles Wings."

 A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm CST and 8:00 pm EST at Calvary Episcopal Church, 222 S Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510 with Father Michael Rasicci. 

 To attend please be prepared to wear a mask and properly social distance.   

 To view Rhea’s service virtually please click on the following link: https://zoom.us/j/6308793378?pwd=SkN0WHZKRTFiUy9FZ2psUGVsRGluQT09

Meeting ID: 630 879 3378

Passcode: Church

 A celebration of her life will be held at St Johns cemetery in the summer of 2021, (post pandemic) in New Bedford, Massachusetts where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Edward.

 Family request in lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or Alzheimer's Association, 8430 W Bryn Mawr Ave #800, Chicago, IL 60631.

 Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For more information, please call 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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