Susan Tracy Leonard, 65
Dateline: Niantic, CT
Susan Tracy (O’Connell) Leonard, 65, of Niantic, CT, passed away peacefully and in the embrace of her family on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. She is survived by her husband Philip Leonard III; son Philip Leonard IV and daughter in law Kathryn of Cumberland, RI; son Erik Leonard of Warwick, RI; and her grandchildren Philip “Finn” Leonard V and Lia Leonard. She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Harold O’Connell of Largo, FL, and sister of the late Brian O’Connell. She also leaves behind siblings Cathy Pacheco; Pamela Bell and brother-in-law Michael; Dorathe Parmelee and brother-in-law Doug; David O’Connell; and Richard O’Connell and sister-in-law Stacey, as well as many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members. Of no surprise to those who knew her well, she is also survived by a wealth of friends, far too many to name, all of whom were an extension of her beloved family.
That zest for life and nurturing of those she loved will remain a hallmark of Susan’s legacy. Born and raised in Brockton, MA, it was there she met her husband Phil, who for 47 years was her soulmate and fellow adventurer. It was Warwick, RI, where they raised their two boys, but home (from North Attleboro to Maine to Niantic) became wherever Susan gathered those around her. Whether hiking the trails of New England, traveling the globe to experience an array of foods and culture, or simply fireside at camp with a box of board games and smores at the ready, Susan unearthed and harvested everything life had to offer, always with a fierce loyalty to family and friends. Even in her career, which began as a family child-care provider, then later a nutritionist and MRI technician, the common thread remained the same: caring for others. That is why her greatest adventure and purest joy was that of her children and grandchildren, not just watching them grow, but actively engaging in their lives and well-being as Mom and Grammy.
Illness took Susan too soon from this world, but she did not just fight cancer, she rose above it. A life spent cultivating lasting relationships and focus outside of herself meant we could return it back to her for solace and strength. As one of her favorite poets Maya Angelou said: “Be and be better. For they existed.” Susan will be deeply missed.
Visiting hours, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 2:30P.M. to 5:30P.M. at Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield, MA.
There will be a private celebration of life for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com