Obituary of Ellen M. Leonardo

Ellen Mahoney Leonardo, age 70, was called home to God surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, November 27, 2014 after a long illness. Ellen was born in Albany on July 24, 1944 to her parents, the late Tim and Mary Mahoney. Ellen graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and Maria College. She married her childhood sweetheart, Arthur Leonardo, on December 26, 1966. Ellen worked at NY Telephone and AT&T for many years before embarking on a second career as a registered nurse. Once becoming a nurse, she worked at the Albany County Nursing Home and the NYS Cancer Registry before retiring in 2006. In retirement, Ellen and Art enjoyed living in Florida, most recently having a second home in Port St. Lucie. Ellen was very active, taking daily (sometimes twice a day) power walks and swimming laps. She was an active volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul society and her church in Florida, St. Bernadette’s. She had a flare for decorating and enjoyed transforming her various homes throughout her life. Most of all, she treasured time with her family. Her grandchildren gave her great joy. They will always remember how their Gema would get down on the floor with them to play games and puzzles and would take them to do fun things like bowling, movies, mini golf, and watched their various baseball, basketball and soccer games. Ellen is survived by her husband and love of her life, Arthur Leonardo, daughters Gabrielle (James) Armenia, Christine (Scott Relyea) Leonardo, and Shannon (Walter) Maloney, treasured grandchildren Timothy and Colin Maloney, and Olivia and Seamus Armenia. She is also survived by her sisters Catherine Mahoney, Pat (Bud) Albert, Mary (Jim) Delaney, and Joan Frodyma. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Center, the Clifton Park/Halfmoon Rescue Squad, the Community Hospice of Saratoga (Nicole), and the compassionate staff at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. There will be no calling hours. A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Rd., Clifton Park. Burial will follow in the Saratoga National Cemetery. The family requests no flowers be sent. Instead, donations may be made to the St. Edward’s Building Fund, 569 Clifton Park Center Rd., Clifton Park, NY 12065.