Leontina Rosa Baldacci

1932 - 2025

Leona Baldacci Jennings

July 12, 1932 - July 11, 2025

Leontina Rosa Baldacci (Leona), 93, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, entered eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 11, 2025.Born on July 12, 1932, in Richmond, Virginia, Leona was the youngest of eight children of the late Amedeo and Angiolina Cecchini Baldacci, who emigrated from Barga, Italy. Her Italian heritage shaped her warmth, hospitality, and enduring sense of family.Leona was predeceased by her first husband, Frank Jennings Sr.; her daughter, Brenda; her son, Frank Jr.; her grandson, Jeremy; and her second husband, Donald O'Connor.She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith through her children: Sandra Collins (David), Paul Jennings (Judy), Steven Jennings (Mary), Daniel Jennings (Susan), and daughter-in-law Jana Jennings. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Leona lived her life with deep devotion to her family, her friends, and all those she encountered. She was known for her wisdom, humor, and nurturing spirit-always putting the needs of others before her own. She found great joy in travel, embracing each journey with curiosity, gratitude, and wonder. A proud graduate of John Marshall High School, Class of 1950, Leona pursued a career in nursing, where she cared for others with unwavering compassion and skill. She served faithfully at both Metropolitan Hospital and Parham Healthcare, touching countless lives through her work. Leona's faith was the cornerstone of her life. A long-standing member of Broadus Memorial Baptist Church, she found strength in her relationship with Christ and joy in worship, service, and fellowship. Her steadfast belief was evident in both word and deed, and her love for the Lord was a guiding light to her family and community. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff at Discovery Village at the West End Memory Care Unit-especially her devoted caregiver, Mary Williams-for the love and tenderness they gave Leona in her later years. Special thanks are also extended to Donna and Ernest of Suncrest Hospice for their gentle and compassionate care during her final months.

The family will receive friends, 4 to 7 P.M. Thursday July 17, 2025 at the Bennett Funeral Home Mechanicsville Chapel; Funeral Services will be 3:00 P.M. Friday July 18, 2025 in the Bennett Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 19, 2025 at Forest Lawn Cemetery Richmond, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leona's honor to Broadus Church, 5351 Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, OR In Touch Ministries, P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357.