Alva Leining

LEINING, ALVA (OLSEN) MERIDEN: Alva (Olsen) Leining, 87, beloved wife of the late Herbert K. Leining Sr. of 60 years, died Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Summit at Plantsville after a long illness. Born in Deep River, CT on July 8, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Carl H. and Veronica E. (Clark) Olsen. She resided in Durham, Meriden & most recently Middletown. Mrs. Leining retired in 2005 from Durham Manufacturing where she worked for over 25 years. She was a Past President of Durham’s Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary and Past President of the American Legion of Durham, CT. Mrs. Leining enjoyed baking and passed down many good recipes which are difficult to replicate. She is best known for her cake decorating skills, especially wedding cakes. During her younger years she enjoyed going to dances with her husband and listening to country bands and square dancing. She is survived by two daughters, Donna Lambertson and her husband Richard of Middletown and Linda Footit and her husband Rich of Middlefield, one son, Robert J. Leining of Rushville, Indiana; 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her twin sons Herbert K. Leining, Jr., and Harry Leining, a daughter in law Deborah Leining, six sisters and four brothers. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St, Durham, CT. Everyone is asked to gather directly at the church. Burial will be at State Veterans’ Cemetery in Middletown. Family and friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. A Special thanks to Dr. Leonard Glaser for his care and guidance throughout her prolonged illness. Also special thanks to the staff at Luther ridge and the Summit at Plantsville, especially caregivers, Jackie Greece and Allison Parks. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Luther Ridge Assisted Living, 628 West Congdon St., Middletown, CT 06457 or the Food Share, 450 Woodland Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002. For online condolences and directions please visit www.jferryfh.com