Mary Ellen "Mert" Leonard

Mary Ellen "Mert" Leonard obituary

Mary Ellen "Mert" Leonard

Mary Leonard Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Frank Duca Funeral Home, Inc. - Westmont Chapel on Aug. 11, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Mary Ellen "Mert" Leonard, 84, of Johnstown, passed away on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, surrounded in love by her devoted family. Born March 28th, 1941 in Johnstown, daughter of Andrew Hecker and Anna Mae (Hipp) Hecker.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband Michael "Jack" Leonard, brothers James, Robert, and Andrew Hecker and sister, Jo Ann Kriss, along with sister-in-law Fern "Che Che" Hecker.

Survived by her most valuable asset: her family. Tammy Micik (Dave), Terri Shumaker, Sharon Leonard, and Michael Leonard (Bridget); grandchildren David (Morgan) and Tyler (Elsie) Micik and Christopher and Morgan Shumaker; and step-grandchildren Brandy and Joey Hunter. Also survived by sister-in-law Christine Hecker and MaryAnn Hecker, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen was employed by Glosser Bros as sales clerk in womens fashion, and a cook at Central Catholic Cafeteria and Bishop Pelczar Manor. Mary Ellen was a true servant leader, devoting her life to community service and helping others. She was a proud volunteer of the Riverside Volunteer Fire Company's Women's Auxiliary for 40 years, giving her a life full of many, many friends. She also loved beating the odds and winning. From bingo to cards, family games, poker, and slots, Mary Ellen's ability to win was impeccable.

Mary Ellen was known as the glue of her family. From holidays to Sunday dinners, game nights, and Steelers games, her family centered her life and brought her the most joy, laughter, and love. She showed her family how life could be full just from having these things. She was the best wife, mom, grandma, and friend that anyone could want. Her laughter and sassiness could make anyone's day, and she was a truly dedicated woman to her family. Her resiliency has shown no bounds or limitations. Through love and the support of her family and friends, Mary Ellen lived a beautiful 84 years. Mary Ellen's passing is a devastating loss for her family, her friends, and her community. She will be forever missed but forever cherished in all our hearts.

Friends received from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on WEDNESDAY, August 13th at FRANK DUCA FUNERAL HOME, WESTMONT CHAPEL, 1622 Menoher Blvd.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM Thursday, August 14th at St. John Gaulbert Cathedral. Very Reverend James Crookston.

Interment, Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Riverside Volunteer Fire Company, 615 Liberty Ave, Johnstown PA 15905 or Proclaim! P.O. Box 807, Johnstown PA 15907 in Mary Ellen's memory.

Condolences may be sent through www.ducafuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ellen "Mert" Leonard, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Mary Leonard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 13, 2025

Edward Camut posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2025

Denice Kelley (Kovach) posted to the memorial.

August 12, 2025

Terri (Huss) Sutt posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Edward Camut

August 13, 2025

So sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person. All though we haven´t seen each other due to distance we always called each other and had great conversations. She was a very thoughtful person who cared for everyone she knew. She will surely be missed. Cousin Ed.

Denice Kelley (Kovach)

August 13, 2025

so sorry for your loss she was a beautiful lady , inside and out i will never forget all the fun we had with her and my mom . She will be miss . yours truly Denice Kelley (Kovach)

Terri (Huss) Sutt

August 12, 2025

I´m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was one of my Mom´s good friends. They both worked at Central´s cafeteria together and spent time together outside of work, especially on the phone. My Mom just got her good friend back.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Frank Duca Funeral Home, Inc. - Westmont Chapel

1622 Menoher Blvd, Johnstown, PA 15905

Make a Donation
in Mary Leonard's name

How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Leonard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Mary Leonard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 13, 2025

Edward Camut posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2025

Denice Kelley (Kovach) posted to the memorial.

August 12, 2025

Terri (Huss) Sutt posted to the memorial.