Barbara Ramona Leonard

Barbara (Mona) Leonard

Born on August 23, 1938, in Mineola, New York, to Lillian and Stephen Mellynchuk, Barabara peacefully passed away on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mona is survived by her four devoted daughters: Lillian Banchero, Jennifer DiPietro, Sophia Leonard Burns, and Rae Leonard. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law and best friend of 70 years, Joan Leonard; her niece and nephew, Regina and Joey Leonard; her cherished grandchildren Tony Banchero and Bobbi Banchero-Forsyth, Rachael Zelaya, Abigail Burns, Jennifer DiPietro, Richard DiPietro II, Richard A. DiPietro, and Dominic DiPietro; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, James (“Jimmy”) Leonard, whom she married in 1954. Their love story was one for the ages, they went to bed every night holding hands until his passing in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Stephanie Banchero; and her cherished Shih Tzu, MoeMoe.

Mona was a second mother not only to her daughters but to many of their friends and to countless coworkers whose lives she touched. She had a legendary love for QVC and single-handedly supported the network.

Beyond raising her daughters, Mona found profound purpose as one of the first patient advocates at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She dedicated herself to ensuring patients and their families received compassionate and dignified care. She tirelessly advocated for patients’ rights, including expanding visiting hours and providing comfort during life’s most difficult moments. Mona held many hands at the end of life, offering solace, strength, and unwavering support. Her work with the Maryland Transplant Team earned her well-deserved recognition and an award.

Mona’s legacy is one of love, compassion, advocacy, and fierce devotion to family. She will be remembered always for her warmth, her strength, and the countless lives she uplifted.