Mary Leto

Mary Leto of Kennett Township Mary Leto, a long-time resident of Kennett Township, died peacefully at the age of 97, at Jenner's Pond Skilled Nursing Unit on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011. Mary was born in Wilmington, Del., to the late Oreste Leto, Sr., and Jennie Sicco Leto. In 1921 Mary and the family moved to Barton Farm in Kennett Square and four years later moved to the farm in Kennett Township, where she currently resided. Growing up on her parents' farm with her nine siblings, she graduated from Kennett High School and subsequently from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Mary and her first cousin, Helen Leto Miller owned and operated an Italian grocery store in Wilmington, Del., for several years prior to Mary's enlisting in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. After the war, she joined her sister, Rosalie, in The Town Shop, a women's apparel shop on State Street. The shop remained in business in Kennett Square for more than 50 years. Mary traveled extensively to several foreign countries but her favorite destination was northern Italy visiting family relatives and attending culinary and art schools. Mary was an accomplished cook and artist. She was an avid reader of world history, and she enjoyed gardening, playing bridge and spending time with family and friends. Mary is survived by her sister, Sylvia Fawcett, a resident at Jenner's Pond; and her brothers, Charles, Victor and Robert all of Kennett Township. She is also survived by sister-in-laws, Betty P. Leto, Bette B. Leto, Marie M. Leto, and Kay S. Leto; and a brother-in-law, Warren Smith; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Rosalie and Hilda Leto Smith; and brothers, Joseph, Oreste Jr., and Frederick. Mary was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Kennett Square and was member of the Kennett Merchants Association and the Business and Professional Women's Association. The family wishes to acknowledge the devoted care provided by Ruby to our sister, Mary over many years. They would also like to acknowledge the efforts and kindness of the staff of the Chester County Hospital and to recognize the staff of Jenner's Pond Skilled Nursing Unit and the staff of Willow Tree Hospice for their professional and compassionate care of Mary during her stay at Jenner's Pond. A funeral service will be held at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square, on Friday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will be at Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, Del. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to West Chester University Foundation, P.O. Box 541 West Chester, PA 19381; or to Willow Tree Hospice, 100 Sycamore Drive, West Grove, PA. 19390. To send an online condolence, please visit www.griecocares.com.