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Palmyra "Pia" M. Leahy passed away peacefully with her children by her side on July 13, 2014. She was 79. A memorial service will be conducted Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 E. 4th St. in Greenville.
Born Palmyra Vaz de Mello Monteiro, on Nov. 15, 1934, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, she was the oldest of eight children born to Odilha and Pedro Monteiro.
Growing up in a large family, Pia balanced her studies with her duties at home taking care of brothers and sisters. She graduated from the prestigious Notre Dame de Sion Girls School in Minas Gerais and entered the Federal university system.
In 1954, the Fullbright Program invited Pia to study at Syracuse University as part of its first group of scholars from Brazil. Completing her year-long program, Pia returned home to finish her degree in geography from the Universidade de Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte. Upon graduation, she joined the university faculty as an associate professor of cartography.
In 1963, the opportunity to come to the United States once again presented itself. The Ford Foundation and the University of Texas jointly commissioned Pia to author a professional geography book. The two year project culminated in a definitive, multi-volume record of Latin American maps produced in the 20th century.
Pia again returned to Brazil and completed her Master's degree prior to accepting another offer from UT - this time as a member of the faculty. In 1967, Pia left Austin to join the Geography Department faculty at ECU, beginning a wonderful 30 year career. She loved teaching as well as advising students and was repeatedly recognized by ECU as well as national organizations for excellence in her profession. The ECU Department of Geography official history notes that Pia was "arguably the most popular geography instructor in the history of the department." In 1969 she married Ed Leahy, also a member of the Geography Department.
Together they built a life in Greenville and welcomed two children in 1971 and 1973. Pia retired from her faculty position in 1997 and stayed active in the Greenville community for many years. She was active in the Thalian Book Club, Golden K Jewels Kiwanis Club, Service League and a long-time member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Pia is remembered for her warm smile, welcoming nature and energetic personality. Her generosity and kindness with friends and family was also well known. She sincerely enjoyed helping others, telling a story, sharing a meal, and spending time with family and friends.
Pia is the author or co-author of numerous academic books, articles and papers, including, A Catalogue of Latin American Flat Maps.
Palmyra is survived by her children, Christy Becker of Greenville and Thomas Leahy of Ashton, Md.; five grandchildren, William and Carina Becker and Sonia Lucia, Jude and Belen Leahy; three sisters: Madalena of Alexandria, Va., Vitoria, and Eliane of Belo Horizonte, Brazil; two brothers: Roberto and Joao, both of Belo Horizonte, Brazil; and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Pedro and Odilha Monteiro; brothers, Pedro and Eduardo; and former husband, Dr. Edward P. Leahy.
The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 8 at Wilkerson Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made through the ECU Foundation, Inc. Please direct your contributions to the Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment in memory of Palmyra "Pia" Leahy. Visit https://piratealumni.ecu.edu/ccon/ or send a gift to Office of Gift Records, East Carolina University, 2200 South Charles Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27858.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
She was a precious and uplifting person and I loved working with her in Political Science at ECU! She brightened many days for many of us! Miss her so much!
Rebecca Moye
Coworker
July 14, 2020
Christy and Thomas, Have had you on our minds all week. Sorry we were unable to be there for visitation this week. We are in Tucson, AZ as Cindi and her family have been transferred here with the Air Force. Our hearts go out to you both as we can only imagine your sadness at this time. Your Mom was such a beacon of light to all who knew her and will surely be missed by so many. Cherish the precious memories you have as we all will. Take care now and if we can do anything for you, just call. With love,
Tommy and Becky Moye
July 19, 2014
My Dear Pia,
How we will miss you. You were an extraordinary lady, and you treated me like family from the first time we met. My family and I will keep you in our hearts forever. Rest well sweet friend.
Steve Hill
July 19, 2014
Dear Cristy and Thomas, I really enjoyed the times I spent with your mother. I wish those visits could have been more recent and more frequent. She was so kind and full of love and laughter. I send my sincerest condolences. I will miss her dearly. Love to you and your families. Janet Kim
Janet Kim
July 18, 2014
Thomas and Christy and family......we are away visiting family and are saddened to learn of your mother's passing. She will be missed! We remember so many wonderful times at St. Paul's and her wonderful recipes she shared at parish suppers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chuck and Linda Chamberlain
Charles Chamberlain
July 18, 2014
Dear Christy and Thomas,
Your mother was my best friend since we were young girls in Brazil. She was the best friend I ever had and I will always miss her kindness, love and support.
Suely Porter
July 18, 2014
Dear Cristy and Thomas, Your mother was a good friend of mine before Alexis went to ECU. I moved to Atlantic Beach nine years ago and have not been in touch with Greenville friends. She was a wonderful woman. May she be in heaven!
Lynda Hickman
July 17, 2014
We will remember her vibrant spirit and kind heart. Jack loved working with her at ECU and we enjoyed spending time with her outside of work. Our deepest condolences to her entire family
Ilene and Jack Blok
July 17, 2014
Dear Christy & Thomas:
We were so sad to learn of your mom's passing. She was a dear friend and a valued colleague who we will miss very much. Our friendship spanned more than forty years and we remained close even as we entered retirement. She was so proud of the two of you and all of your many accomplishments. May she rest in peace. God bless.
Love,
Doug & Chears
Doug & Chears Wilms
July 17, 2014
Pia was truly one of the "good guys".She will be missed by many of us. God Bless, Pia.
Angelo and Jennette Volpe
Angelo Volpe
July 17, 2014
Pia was a one of kind lady who always had an endearing smile and quick whit. She was a generous spirit who always made me feel a part of her family. The lives she touched through her many endeavors will continue on and her legacy will last generations. She will be missed. God Bless.
Aaron Tschetter
July 17, 2014
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