Nelzina G. Leary

FARMINGTON, N.H. - Nelzina G. (Miller) Leary, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at Watson Fields Assisted Living Facility in Dover.

Nell was born on October 14, 1922, in Fortunes Rocks, Maine, a part of Biddeford, to John H. and Lois (Hatch) Miller. Shortly after she was born, her family moved to Farmington where she spent nearly all her life. She graduated from Farmington High School in 1940 and went to work for the Farmington News as their only reporter. She was married to Kenneth R. Leary in 1941 and they shared a loving partnership for over 50 years.

In 1943, they purchased their beloved farm, where they raised their four children. Nell's kitchen was always the center of the farm, and of the neighborhood, where many friends, neighbors, and relatives would spend time there for the great meals and lively conversation. In addition to her farm and family life, Nell worked for several downtown businesses, served as a 4-H Club leader, and was active in the Farmington PTA and the First Congregational Church, where she was a church member, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of Women's Fellowship.

In her later years, she loved her garden with both flowers and vegetables, enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, and always looked forward to the weekly bingo games and travel with the Seniors on the Farmington Recreation bus. She was always happiest when she was helping family.

Nell leaves two sons and three daughters-in-law, Robert (and Debbie) Leary and Kenneth (and Celeste) Leary and Dianne Leary of Farmington and her daughter, Marcia Leary Stevens of Middleton, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves a brother and sister-in-law, John (and Norma) Miller, of Ogunquit, Maine, a sister-in-law, Marjorie Miller of Green Bay, Wisc., and a beloved cousin and his wife, Maurice and Ann Hatch of Sanbornville. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth; her oldest son, Leslie Leary; and six of her brothers and sisters.

There will be no immediate services, as were her wishes. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.

The family wishes to thank the administration and caring staff of Lilac View Assisted Living Facility in Rochester and Watson Fields Assisted Living Facility in Dover for their outstanding services and unending compassion given to our mother.

Assisting with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. To leave a condolence message for the family, visit www.csnh.com