Leona Leofsky

Leona Leofsky passed away at home on Nov. 29, 2020. Leona was born in Carlton, NY, to Gerald N. and Berenice L. [Curtis] Miller and grew up on Meadowbrook Farm, Albion, NY.

After graduating Albion High School in 1951 Leona worked for a while at the Albion Pennysaver (weekly). But it was while working at Lipton Soup that she met the love of her life, Ted Leofsky, with whom she shared 56 years. They married in 1953 and moved to Chester County in 1954 where they raised a family. After Ted retired, they relocated to Lancaster in 2003.

In addition to raising 8 children in East Fallowfield Township (along with various chickens, cats, guinea hens and parakeets) Leona was active in local social justice initiatives. She was a founding member of a Women’s Interfaith coalition, worked to desegregate schools in Coatesville, Pa., served on the Executive Committee of the local NAACP chapter and was Minority Inspector for the local election board. Leona was a lifelong spiritual seeker who converted to Catholicism as a teenager. She served as one of the first female lectors of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Coatesville. One way Leona used the resources she had to help others was by hosting inner-city New York youths, through the Fresh Air Fund for several weeks each summer, developing relationships that would be maintained for more than 60 years.

While Leona was not afforded the opportunity of a college education, she was an autodidact who instilled a love of reading, curiosity and continual learning in her children. Her lifelong passions and personal interests include photography, flowers, organic gardening, cats (especially Peachie), clouds, seeing beauty and seeking human justice. She loved music and was a gifted whistler. Her children fondly remember the lyrics to many musicals and folk music that constantly played in the Leofsky household.

Preceding her in death were her spouse, Theodore R. Leofsky; son, John Paul Leofsky; and daughter, Loretta Aileen Leofsky. Also grandson, Jesse Farrell; brother, Reed Miller; and beloved sister and best friend, Gerry Schuck. Survivors include daughters: Jeanie Farrell, Karyn Anderson, Josephine Matey and Marina Rose; sons: Joseph Leofsky and Anthony Leofsky; granddaughters: April Wood, Sandra Brandt, Jamie Matey, Justine Matey and Taylor Leofsky; grandsons: Benton Anderson, Hiroshi Hyashi, Adam Leofsky, Cameron Leofsky, EJ Leofsky and Jerin Leofsky; great-grandchildren: Roman, Dahlia, Diallo, Soraya, Samantha and Zyla; sister, Darleene Johnson; brother, Garland Miller.

A virtual memorial service will be held on Sat., Dec. 12, 2020 at 4 p.m. with visitation beginning at 3:30 p.m. To receive information on Leona’s virtual memorial service, please visit www.wentzfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leona’s name can be made to Fresh Air Fund, 633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

Arrangements are being handled by Wentz Funeral Home, Coatesville 610-384-0318 www.wentzfuneralhome.com