Edith Leonard Pease

Edith Leonard Pease 1920 - 2008 GREAT BARRINGTON Edith Leonard Pease, 87, died at her home on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., surrounded by her family. Born on Dec. 11, 1920, in Newark, N.J., she was raised in the Bronx in New York City and graduated from Barnard College in Manhattan with a degree in chemistry. She married the love of her life, John Leonard, of Wellesley in 1942. Two days later, he went to the South Pacific to serve a two year term in World War II. Edith remained in New York City as a chemist working on the Manhattan Project until John's medical emergency discharge from the Army. Upon his return, they moved to Great Barrington, where they raised four daughters, Margaret Leonard, Elizabeth Zanin, Deborah Leonard and Victoria Gabriel. After John's death in 1984, she married Willard O. Pease of Great Barrington in 1986. They spent 12 happy years in Great Barrington, traveling and wintering in Florida until Bud's death in 1998. She leaves her two loving daughters, Debbie from Williamsburg, Va., and Tori of Fort Lauderdale. She was blessed with the love of three stepchildren, Sarah Bissell, Alan Pease and Cynthia Pease, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, she volunteered for the Visiting Nurses Association, was active in the local Girl Scouts of America, was an ardent Democrat, an avid reader and card player, enjoyed cruising and reveled in organizing family gatherings. She was proud to vote by absentee ballot for this historic election. MEMORIAL NOTICE: A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2009 at the family lake in East Otis. Those wishing to attend may email Tori at torig@juno.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice by the Sea of 1531 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33486 - www.hospicebytheseafl.org.