Martha Louise Leonard

Martha Louise Leonard, 81, Roscoe, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at Lincolnshire Place surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 4, 1932, in Rockford, the daughter of Walter and Aribert (Buchanan) Stern. Martha married Dr. John T. Leonard, Sr. in Rockford on May 21, 1955. She was a graduate Rockford West High School and the St. Anthony School of Nursing, class of 1953. Martha was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Martha was a nurse at Roc-Vale Children's Home from 1978 thru 1981. She is a past member of the Rosecrance Board of Directors, the Rockford Memorial Auxiliary Board, managed the Rockford Memorial Hospital gift shop, and was involved in many fundraising events for the hospital. Martha, John, and her children enjoyed traveling to places all around the world.
Survived by her husband of 59 years, John; her children, Kathryn (Patrick) Walter of Eden Prairie, MN, Stephen (Christine) Leonard of Roscoe, Brian Leonard of Roscoe, Michelle R. Leonard of Westport, CT, and Jennifer S. (Curt Cygan) Leonard of Minneapolis, MN; her grandchildren, Nichole, Zachary, Andrew, Alex, Danielle, Danny, Joseph, John, Anthony, and Anna; her great-grandson, Carter; her brothers, David Stern of CA and Donald (Dottie) Stern of CO; many nieces and nephew including, Barb, Mike, Pat, Mary, Eileen, Deanna, Pam, Linda, Jack, Teri , Debbie, Sandy, and Bob. Special thanks to her nieces Joanne and Kate for their loving care during Martha's illness. Predeceased by her son, John Leonard, Jr., her parents and her brothers and sisters, Walter , Betty , Harriet, and Phyllis.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday March 8, 2014, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Av. Loves Park, with Reverend Christopher DiTomo officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2014, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd with the Rosary recited at 7:30 pm. Visitation again from 10:00a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Saturday at the church. Martha's family invites everyone to a luncheon at the Venetian Club, 2180 Elmwood Rd, Rockford, 61101, following the graveside services at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 2400 N. Rockton Av. Rockford, 61103, The Rosecrance Foundation, 1021 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, 61107, Poor Clare Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St. Rockford, 61102, or the St. Elizabeth Center, 1505 S. Main St. Rockford, 61102. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.