MEREDITH ---- Catherine ‘Katie’ Leonard, 80, of Main Street, Meredith, NH, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Concord Hospital in Laconia, where she peacefully departed to reunite with the love and light of her life, Frank Leonard.
Katie was born on April 29, 1943, in Stoneham, MA, the daughter of Carl and Elisabeth (Tidd) Hedberg.
Katie was a beacon of love and warmth to all who knew her. Her spirit of generosity, kindness, and unwavering love enriched the lives of her family, friends and community. Her devotion to her family was unmatched and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.
Katie was also a dedicated employee at Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, where she worked tirelessly as a kitchen manager and chef for many years. Her culinary skills and passion for cooking brought joy to countless patrons and colleagues alike.
Additionally, Katie was the proud owner and operator of Sunshine Coffee Shop in Laconia, NH, where she created a welcoming atmosphere for all who visited. She also ventured into entrepreneurship with her husband, owner and operating Weirs Frank in Weirs Beach, where they shared their love for good food and community. Katie also owned and operated Star Cab in the Greater Boston area, providing reliable transportation services to the community.
Moreover, Katie made significant contributions to Annalee Dolls, where she served as a quality control manager for over a decade. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensured the highest standards were met in every Annalee creation.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Katie had a passion for repurposing long before repurposing had a name. She was known as the “Queen of Repurposing,” transforming old items into new treasures with her creativity and ingenuity. Her innovative spirit and resourcefulness were truly remarkable.
Katie cherished spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories and bonds that will be treasured for generations. She enjoyed sharing stories, playing games, and simply being present with them, watching them grow and flourish.
Additionally, Katie always looked forward to and enjoyed celebrations, parties, and spur-of-the-moment times with her nieces Christine Richard and Kathie Ann Lopez and their families, sharing laughter and creating joyful memories together.
In addition to her love for her family and friends, Katie had a zest for life that led her to many adventures. She adored her Disney vacations with family, where she embraced the magic and wonder of the parks alongside her loved ones. Even into her 80s, Katie continued to explore and seek new experiences. She famously climbed Diamond Head in Honolulu, showcasing her adventurous spirit and determination. She loved spending time with her lifelong friends Joan Cain and Claire Auditore.
Katie also enjoyed a variety of hobbies. She had a love for music, ranging from the melodies of Willie Nelson to the timeless classics of Tony Bennett. Katie was also an avid gardener, finding solace and joy in tending to her garden and nurturing beautiful blooms.
Throughout her life, Katie touched the lives of many with her gentle spirit and boundless compassion. She was a pillar of strength and resilience, facing life’s challenges with grace and dignity.
Katie is survived by her sons Bob Dirice and Joanna of Boston and Chris Rice and his soulmate Lori Powell of Gilford, her daughter Cheryl and her husband Doug Morrison of Laconia, grandchildren Elizabeth Sterling, Eric Meeken, Francesca Dirice, Kandis Gray and Phoebe Gray, and great-grandchildren, Wesley, Amelia, Kayden and Aubree.
A Graveside Service to honor Katie’s life will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10:00 am, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH, 03303.
A Celebration of Life will take place following the burial at Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, 312 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, NH 03253, from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
Though Katie’s physical presence may be gone, her legacy of love, kindness and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
May she rest in peace, reunited with her beloved husband Frank, in the eternal embrace of love and tranquility.
I love you to the moon and back.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations in Katie’s name be made to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH, 03303.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.