Obituary of Helen Jacqueline Leonard

Helen “Jackie” Leonard, 93, of Roanoke, VA, formerly of York, ME, and Winchester, MA, passed away on Sat July 15, 2023, with her son and daughter by her side. She was married to the late Thomas P. Leonard Jr. for 55 years.

Jackie was born in Somerville MA and graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge, MA. Jackie worked as a private caregiver, an Orthodontist’s assistant, retail sales, and catering. The Church was the center of Jackie’s life. She loved being active in St James of Roanoke, VA, St Georges of York, ME, and The Church of Epiphany in Winchester MA. Her activities included: Lay Minister, lector, usher, prayer group, Bible study, fairs, bazaars, hospitality and welcoming activities, healing services, Volunteer Little Church Social Club, Episcopal Church Women, and The Women of Epiphany. She lived her life to serve. At the age of 87 Jackie volunteered at the Christian Soldier's Food Pantry in Roanoke where she would also lead veterans and others in prayer. Jackie Leonard was well known for her humor, easy smile, ready laugh, pragmatism, humility, stalwart moral sense, and graciousness. Her strong faith in the Holy Trinity and support for her parish, parishioners, veterans, and those in need were given freely, often; and always, with love. Jackie will be long remembered for her eternal optimism; most importantly, she saw the good in people first.

She is survived by Bruce T. Leonard of Braintree, MA, Keith T. Leonard of Roanoke, VA, and Dr. J Sandra Leonard of Gatesville, TX, and close family friend, Jasper Fisher of Vinton, VA

Services will be held at St James Church on July 24, 2023, at 2:00 pm in Roanoke, VA. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel. (540)366-0707.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 4515 Delray Street NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 or The Christian Soldiers Food Pantry in Roanoke,728A Church Ave SE Roanoke, Virginia 24013.