Sr. Mary Elizabeth Leonard, CSC

   Sr. Mary Elizabeth Leonard, CSC (Sr. Mary of St. John Leonard) entered Eternal Life on March 10, 2024 at the age of 88, of which 69 years were spent in religious life.   She died peacefully at the Holy Cross Health Center in Manchester, NH.

   Mary Elizabeth was born May 6, 1935 in Manchester, NH, the child of James J. Leonard and Helen (Cote) Leonard.  It was in 1954 that Mary Elizabeth heard God’s call and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross.

   During her years of ministry, she dedicated her life in service to the poor and needy as well as to exceptional and handicapped children.  This brought her many places of service in Connecticut and New Hampshire.  She also served for several months at L’Arche in France.

   Upon completion of her Master’s Degree in Special Education, she dedicated herself to social work with handicapped children and their parents.

   Throughout her years of generous service, Sr. Mary Elizabeth also did respite care for severely physically disabled children, giving parents and family members much needed rest as well as opportunities to attend family functions.

   Her final years were lived at St. George Manor and at the Holy Cross Health Center.

   Mary Elizabeth was predeceased by her brother, Paul Leonard.  She is survived by her sister-in-law, Claudette, of Manchester, NH as well as nieces and nephews in Sweden, England and the US, Janet and Alexander Thompson, Jenny and Jeff Leonard, Jon Leonard and Joan and Chris Gunter.

   SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Tuesday (3/19) from 2 to 4 p.m. with a remembrance prayer at 3 p.m. at St. George Manor, 357 Island Pond Rd., Manchester, NH.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (3/20) at 9 a.m. at St. George Manor.  Committal prayers will follow at St. Augustin Cemetery, South Beech Street, Manchester, NH.

   Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Holy Cross Development Fund, c/o Sisters of Holy Cross, 357 Island Pond Rd., Manchester, NH 03109.

   Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting with arrangements.