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Ann Leyland Obituary
Annie Harriet Leyland, age 92, of Levittown, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2018.
Ann was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and moved to Brooklyn, New York at the age of seven. She attended school in the Brooklyn public school system. When she was 19, Ann joined the USO during World War II, singing and playing her guitar for the troops all over Europe. After the war, she, her husband Howard and daughter Catherine lived in Philadelphia, then moved to Levittown in 1953, being one of the first home buyers in the new development.
Ann enjoyed raising three children and being a stay at home mom. She kept playing her music and began teaching acoustic guitar for many area school districts, including Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Centennial and Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Ann also played many assemblies for the children in schools across the area. She could sing in a variety of languages, which always delighted the kids. But perhaps her greatest joy was entertaining the audiences that filled the Albert Music Hall in Waretown, New Jersey, each Saturday night. It was in this pinelands setting where she always performed at her best. Ann was also an active member of both the Bucks County and Philadelphia Folk Song Societies.
In 1977, she graduated from Bucks County Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in mass media and communications. For many years, she pursued her love of writing and worked as a freelance writer, having her articles published in the Bucks County Courier Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Counselor magazine, and countless others.
Ann was a member of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) church in Philadelphia. Ann also hosted a popular annual summer hootenanny for over 40 years at her home, where many friends and family members would sing and play their musical instruments until the wee hours of the morning. Ann was always a compassionate and cheerful person and loved people. She will be sorely missed.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Earl Leyland Sr. and daughter, Catherine Maijken Leyland. Ann is survived by her beloved sons, Howard Jr., and Keith.
Services are private, although a celebration of life is planned at a later date.
Contributions may be made in Ann's name to any group dedicated to saving animals.
Jonathan Leyland
November 15, 2021
I never knew Ann or Howard but Howard is my third cousin twice removed! I am researching Leyland family history would love to hear from any family members over the pond. Please e-mail me [email protected]
God Bless! Jonathan Leyland
Stellan Ragnert
January 9, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mike Littwin
February 10, 2019
Skip and Skeets, God knows your are blessed with a fabulous mother. I am always amazed at how much musical talent it there with the three of you. Your mother did extra help with my guitar education by getting me to go to he Spring fling and fall thing. To play and be around talented people. I know that you mother cared deeply about her boys every day and that it was never ending. What a grand thing it is to have a parent (or two) who were so involved in show business in the old golden days. I know that Ann will always be right there near your fingers helping you, so be sure to listen. May people say they are sorry for her passing. But people who live a healthy rich life into their 80s and 90s are blessed with "extra days". Also remember that don't mourn, we celebrate a long life lived well. Your mother launched many, many people to be guitar players.
I will always remember her kind gentle voice where talking or teaching. And her generosity.
I really tore me up inside when she called me a year ago to tell me she lost her voice. I cried after getting off he phone.
God bless and Protect Ann Leyland, mother of 3 can now take care of her daughter. God bless and protect Skip and Skeets.
James patrick Donovan
November 3, 2018
Ann Leyland ,an irreplaceable Woman, artist, guild guitar player , and too much more to mention.
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Betsy Gherson
November 3, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. May her memory always be a blessing. I also want to enter Phyllis Schmulenson's name, as she cannot do so for herself. We will both miss Ann.
Laurie Richey
November 1, 2018
Keith,
So sorry to learn of your Mom's passing. God Bless you and your Brother for all you did for her. I'm certain that you made her proud.
Acquanetta Tindall
November 1, 2018
Keith
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God keeps you and your brother wrapped in his blanket of comfort.
Ackie
Terry Rivel
November 1, 2018
To Skip and Skeets, So sorry and sad to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a wonderful lady and always fun to play music with! I've played with her at Albert Music Hall on many occasions, and she was always disappointed if I couldn't make it. I had such a great time at her hoots in July, too! It will be sad to hear the CD's from Albert Hall. I know you both will cherish the good memories. Please let me know whenever there is a life celebration. -Terry Rivel
Debbie Ansell
October 31, 2018
Skip and Skeets
Its hard to think of Ann as not here, she has been here so much of the past 30 some years of my life. Her immense energy, her bright smile, the fantastic songs and parodies she wrote, and sooo many funny and entertaining stories, she was a born entertainer. She brought so many people together with that energy and her hoots, what a blast. I cane to feel like part of thr family! Like me, she was a cat lover, her cats and kids were the light of her life. Life wont be the same without her, we will all miss her do very much.
Ed Traboulsi
October 29, 2018
Skip and Skeets,
I am so sorry for your loss, and for the world's loss, of such a vibrant, spirited and loving person. I have such fond memories of her, and you both, from our childhood all the way through recent years. My wife Janine and I share in your grief.
Your mom had an unending love of life, of music, and of her family. Always upbeat and positive, she gave inspiration to so many people. The gap that is left now with her passing will surely be felt by many. Still, we can all find peace in the memories of her and her work. It was such a joy knowing her, and laughing with her, through the years. My personal memories of her and her hootenannies when I was just a child bring a smile to me even now. These are sweet memories that I will always hold close.
Your own sweet memories of her will sustain you through this difficult time, but also remember to reach out to us if we can help in any way.
Your Cousin Eddie, and Janine
Dan "Meatball" Rutz
October 29, 2018
Mrs. Leyland,
Thank you for your service to our country. To me you are a true American hero. I salute you with respects. Slow Hand Salute.
To the family & friends of this patriot, my sincere condolences.
Dan "Meatball" Rutz
A Hero's Welcome & Warriors' Watch Riders
Bux/Montco
John and Evelyne PATTERSON
October 28, 2018
Dear 'Skeets' and 'Skip',
My wife Evelyne ('Evy') and I were blessed to have Ann for a dear friend this past decade. We enjoyed many outings with her, and she inspired us in so many ways. We delighted in hearing her life stories, reciting poetry, or singing a beautiful song. She taught us many things, most of all how to treasure our time with her. We will miss her.
When learning of her passing, we put on a CD she had given us. Once more we were moved as we heard her beautiful voice. We feel so blessed to have been part of her life. We will think of her often, and can't help but think that she is now in the choir of angels who are rejoicing that they have her company.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers especially now as we enter the holiday season. We were lucky to celebrate the 'Saint Lucia' festival with Ann numerous times at Gloria Dei Church (Old Swedes) in Philadelphia.
With our love, John and 'Evy' (Evelyne) Patterson
October 26, 2018
Our thoughts remain with you and your family at this time. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
- The Staff of James J. Dougherty Funeral Home
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