Killawalla, Westport and Edgware, North-West London
The death took place recently of Josie (Josephine) Leonard originally from Killawalla, Westport who had lived in London for the past 40 years. Josie was 56 years old when she passed away in the loving care of her family at her home in Edgware, North-West London.
She was the sixth child of the late Patrick and Anne Coonan and was predeceased by her brother Tommy Coonan and her sister Bridie Feehan. Josie attended Killawalla National School and The Vocational School in Westport. In 1973 she emigrated to London to join her older siblings Bridie, Cathy, Tommy and Marion, it was there she met her husband Pappy Leonard (from Crossmolina) and they were married in 1979 in Westport.
Josie and Pappy were blessed with four children Siobhán, Aileen, John and Joanna and after raising her children at home through their early years Josie re-trained and worked as a carer in Harrow for almost 18 years looking after the elderly in their own homes. She was an extremely generous and caring person in every way and looking after others is one of the many labours of love that she will be remembered for. She was devoted to her family and in recent years her pride and joy were her three grandchildren with whom she loved spending time and caring for them.
Although Josie left Ireland many years ago she and her family regularly returned to Westport and Crossmolina for holidays and to visit family and friends. She looked forward to these holidays and was disappointed when ill health prevented her from attending the wedding of her niece Ruth Coonan in September 2013, it saddened her deeply to miss out on such a happy family occasion.
Sadly her sister Bridie passed away in March 2013 after a short illness and in April 2013 Josie became ill herself and bore her illness with dignity and courage and maintained a great sense of humour throughout this testing time. Josie was a fighter and showed true determination until the end and just 10 days before she passed away she brought around 30 members of her family out for afternoon tea. She was an inspiration and will be remembered for her great sense of humour, caring nature and for being an amazing wife, sister, mother and grandmother.
Josie will be sadly missed by her husband Pappy, her daughters Siobhán, Aileen and Joanna and her son John, grandchildren Ruairi, P.J. and Annie Mae, her sisters Cathy, Marion, Elsie and Veronica, her mother-in-law Eileen Leonard, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
The vast numbers who gathered to extend their sympathy at St. Anthony’s Church, Edgware were a true reflection of the high regard in which Josie was held. She was laid to rest afterwards in Hendon Cemetery as it was her wish to be close to her family.
Sincere thanks to all her friends and family who travelled from all over Ireland and the U.K. to celebrate her life and bid farewell to a most gracious person.
May her gentle soul rest in peace.
