| Date of Birth | April 7, 1946 |
| Date Deceased | February 5, 2024 |
| Hometown | Hammondsport |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | February 24, 2024 |
| Service Time | 12 Noon |
| Service Location | St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Wellsboro, PA |
Katherine Anne (Eaton) Leonard
HAMMONDSPORT – Katherine Anne Leonard (née Eaton) passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, February 5, 2024, age 77, at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester NY.
Kathy was born April 7, 1946 in Williamsport, PA to John William Eaton II and Alice Ellen Eaton (née Reed). She was a graduate of Wellsboro Area High School class of 1964. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Russell Sage College NY and her Master of Science in Nursing from The Pennsylvania State University. Katherine served as a nurse for over 56 years in both the hospital and clinical settings, as a professor of clinical nursing, and as a school nurse for her local school districts.
Kathy is predeceased by her parents and survived by her husband of 56 years, William J. Leonard of Hammondsport NY, as well as her daughters Karen M. and Ann E. Leonard of Carlisle PA and San Diego CA; son John P. Leonard (Laurel) and grandsons, Geoffrey W. and Samuel E., of Morrisville PA. She is also survived by her brother John W. Eaton III (Diane) of Wellsboro, PA.
As a lifelong Girl Scout, Kathy enjoyed many outdoor activities, including sailing on Lake Keuka, cross-county skiing, and visiting National Parks. She was accomplished in knitting, sewing, quilting and loved her piano and music. She had a deep faith in God and an unquenchable call to service. Throughout her life she devoted her time, skill, and talents to her communities as an American Red Cross swimming and lifeguarding instructor, scout leader, and tireless volunteer to multiple organizations and institutions. She strove always to be a good friend and neighbor, devoted wife, loving sister, mother, cousin, dog mom, and grandmother. She was a rock for many people, giving strength and support to those in need, and comfort with her work in pet therapy.
A memorial service for Katherine Anne will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wellsboro, PA on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 12 PM (luncheon to follow).
In lieu of flowers, please send denotations in Katherine’s name to either St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, or Therapy Dogs International, or a nursing or volunteer organization of your choice.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT is honored to assist Katherine’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Katherine are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
I had the pleasure of working with Kathy at HACC for many years. I enjoyed her company, learned from her, and missed her when she retired. My sincere condolences to Bill and all of her family. She truly was a woman who made a difference.
Kathy was an amazing person and a faithful servant of God. She was a blessing to all she touched. God is grieving with us as we mourn her loss in our lives. She is with God in her heavenly home for all eternity. Rest in peace, Kathy. We pray that Kathy’s family and friends can feel God’s loving presence in their lives giving them strength, comfort, peace and hope during this most difficult time.
My sincere sympathies sent to Bill, Ann, John and Karen on the loss of your wife and mother. Kathy was such a wonderful influence to me growing up on Sheffield Ave. in Mechanicsburg. She always celebrated my successes, but never hesitated to offer advice when I strayed wayward. (Ha Ha)
My mom is still there, but struggling with Alzheimer’s. She has trouble feeling emotional about holidays or special events, but the news of Kathy’s passing brought her to tears. That is how much she meant to us. Hold your memories close as we will. Love you all.
Sincerely,
Tammy (Rhinehart) Strayer
Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with Bill, Ann, John and his family, Karen, Kathy’s Brother and his wife. We were friends from 1969 when we both moved to the Harrisburg area. Kathy and I worked together as nurses and became BEST friends. For many years, our families celebrated New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day together. A tradition, if you will, that both our families enjoyed so much. We continued our friendship even after she and Bill moved to New York. Kathy was an excellent nurse and one of those rare persons who always gave of herself to help others. Nothing was ever too much for her. She was like an “energizer bunny” who just kept going and going and going. No matter what she did, she did it with exceptional knowledge, confidence in her ability, and a caring and loving heart. I am heartbroken to have lost my very BEST FRIEND. I will miss you so much and our wonderful “long” conversations. You were the Very Best that God created and now He has taken you Home. I love you, my friend. Enjoy being with Our Lord and Savior, who, I believe, welcomed you with open arms, with those wonderful words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”. From Heaven above, give strength to those who loved you and enjoyed the presence of YOU in their lives.
With our heartfelt sympathy,
Al, Mary and Jeff Kroh
As I remember Kathy, my thoughts and prayers turn to Bill and her loving family; and, I recall a quote I read many years ago….
“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living”….
and, OH what wonderful memories you have for rest of your lives! We never want to “let go” but know she will be beside you FOREVER!
Please share your thoughts, tears, laughter, and LOVE with her daily…she will always be there for you!
Terry Wisdo
My heartfelt sympathy to Bill, Karen, Ann, John and grandchildren…
Kathy was one of those people that you liked as soon as you met her. I met Kathy when she was working at hacc as an adjunct instructor in the evening clinical rotation as I was leaving the day rotation many years ago. As I watched her with students, I knew we needed her as a full time faculty member. She was an amazing nurse and person. I was fortunate enough to work with Kathy for many years. Kathy was easy to talk to, and a friend to all. She loved her family and was so proud of her children. But, she never failed to ask about my family too. I have not stopped thinking about her since her passing. I have talked with so many people that loved her, and thought so highly of her. She will never be forgotten…. Her faith was strong, and she is with the Lord now…. I will miss you always Kathy…. 💜
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Kathy at HACC and found her to be a loving, caring and exceptional nursing faculty member and person. Her students loved her. She gave so much to the program!! When she retired her absence was sorely missed.
I am so sorry to hear of her passing and wish all of her family my deepest condolences. I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that she is safely in God’s loving arms.
I graduated with Kathy from Wellsboro H School. I remember our spelling bees. I always wanted to be on Kathy’s team because she was so smart.