Toots Sophie Leone

TOOTS SOPHIE LEONE It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sophie "Toots" Leone, loving wife, sister, mother, nani, business owner, and friend, who passed away on November 23, 2024, at the age of 72. Over the past six months, Toots fought a courageous battle with cancer, facing each challenge with unwavering grace and determination. Though her fight was long and difficult, her spirit remained strong until the very end. She was surrounded by her family, who took comfort in knowing that she is now with God and those family and friends gone before her. Toots graduated from Trinidad High School and attended TSJC for cosmetology. She enjoyed working with her clients and met many friends along the way. After her marriage to Sonny (Frank) Leone, on June 9, 1973, she became an amazing stay-at-home wife and mother who supported her children in all their endeavors and her husband's family business as a secretary. In 1993, Sonny and Toots took over Leone Sand and Gravel and Leone Ready Mix to continue the family business. In 2001, Toots was so excited to offer Trinidad a place you could go to for unique yard art, pots, flowers, supplies, bushes, and trees. She became the proud founder and owner of SRG's Landscaping (Sophie Roseann Guadagnoli's Landscaping), a beloved local business that brought beauty and joy to the community. Her passion for landscaping was only matched by her love for beautiful yard att, flowers, and the many classes she offered to those eager to learn and play outside. Her work transformed countless yards into colorful, vibrant spaces, with amazing memories and she took immense pride in helping others create outdoor spaces they could cherish. Along with this, she taught others to never stop learning and growing in their passions. Beyond her businesses, Toots was devoted to her family, especially her husband (Sonny) Frank Leone. Her pride and joy were her children Wayne Leone and her daughter Timi (Joe) Teny, and her beloved grandchildren Marli and Josi. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she found joy in watching them grow and flourish. Her love and encouragement were constant, and she was always there to offer a listening ear, a strong suggestion, a helping hand, a warm embrace, and always having the best surprises every time they came to visit. The memories made will forever be cherished by her family and she will be missed but never forgotten. Toots' dedication to her community was truly remarkable. She was known not just for her talents in landscaping, but for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support of those around her. Whether teaching a gardening class, sharing her expertise, or simply offering advice, Toots was always eager to give back to the Trinidad community she loved so deeply. She never hesitated to answer the call to serve on different boards to better the place she called home. She is survived by her husband (Sonny) Frank Leone, her brother (Tinker) Robe1t Guadagnoli (Carol), children Wayne Leone and Timi (Joe) Teny, her grandchildren, Marli and Josi Terry, amazing nieces and nephew, godchildren and many cherished friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her mother and father (Wanda and Louie Guadagnoli). A funeral will be held on December 6, 2024, at 9:30 at Trinidad Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Trinidad Catholic Cemete1y in her honor. Toots' legacy of love, beauty, and community will live on in the vibrant gardens she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the lessons she imparted. Her memo1y will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.