Leona M. Henry Nesgoda

Leona M. Henry Nesgoda, 97, of Harborcreek, passed away Monday, January 18th, 2016, at Sarah Reed Retirement Center, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Erie, Pa., on August 28, 1918, a daughter of the late Robert H. and Cora Lander Henry.

Leona spent many years as the organist/pianist at local Lutheran Churches and worked as a Stanley Home Products representative and volunteered at the Lutheran Home in the activities department. She was a graduate of Harborcreek High School and the Erie Music Conservatory where she studied under Peter Le Sueur. As a young, woman she worked at Nason's five and dime store in Wesleyville as a part-time store manager. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, music, cooking desserts, knitting and crocheting, and traveling with her friends on bus trips. She was a faithful servant to the Lord and a member of Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence Park and an active member in the social group Keenagers and Birthday Club. She spent many years as pianist/organist at the former Redeemer Lutheran Church in Harborcreek where she donated her time and talents.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Calvin and Louis Henry; and one son, John L. Nesgoda.

She is survived by her loving husband, John W. Nesgoda, to whom she was married for 71 years; two sons, James and William (Ann) Nesgoda; three grandchildren, Michael and Jacob Nesgoda and Laura Rockwell; five great-grandchildren, Rachel, Matthew and Benjamin Nesgoda, of Harborcreek, and Liam and Claire Rockwell, of Fayetteville, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 East 38th Street, Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service there, Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church or a charity of one's choice. Condolences and photos may be sent at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

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