CORNISH- Leona W. Chasse, age 99, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough.
She was born at home in Cornish on Jan. 4, 1924, a daughter of the late Joseph and Bessie (Parker) Wright.
She graduated from Cornish High School and proudly went on to serve our country with the US Navy WAVES during WWII. During her enlistment, Leona was a "code girl" that tirelessly worked to break Japanese communication codes.
In 1948, she married Robert Chasse and together they raised their son Michael. Because Robert was serving with the USAF, the family got a unique opportunity to live throughout Europe, Honduras, and the U.S.
Years later, after Leona returned to her hometown, she was employed as a clerk at the Cornish Post Office.
Leona was an accomplished seamstress, excelled at sewing, embroidery, and knitting, and was a talented gardener.
On her 99th birthday, Leona received over 7000 cards from all over the world to celebrate her birthday and service to the US.
Leona is survived by her son Michael Chasse and his fiancé Charlene Bernier of Cornish; and two beloved grandsons- Scott Chasse of Denver CO and Sam Chasse of Cornish ME.
She will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and a woman who truly loved the Town of Cornish.
Visitation will be held on Saturday May 20 from 10 - 11 AM, followed by an 11 AM funeral service at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Burial will immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery in Cornish with US Navy Honors. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com