Marie Leonard Obituary

Marie S. (Sorensen) Leonard, 99, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, formerly of Lowell, MA, passed away on June 17, 2025, at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA. She was born in Chelsea, MA on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1926, to the late Neil S. Sorensen and Gertrude R. (Sciarappa).
She grew up in Revere, MA, surrounded by a large, extended family. She enjoyed sharing the many stories of her Italian grandmother's garden, her father's roots in Norway and time with her beloved siblings. She graduated from Revere High School in the class of 1944. She volunteered for the United Service Organization, supporting American Servicemen during World War II and worked as a secretary until she married in 1949.
Marie resided in Lowell for most of her adult life. She was a dedicated homemaker until her children were grown and then joined the workforce in the retail and banking sectors. She was loving, nurturing and devoted to her family.
Marie enjoyed traveling and treasured spending time with her family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all who entered her home. She enjoyed history, current events, music, classic movies, and was a loyal Red Sox fan. She was hard to beat in family Trivial Pursuit games. She was active in her Senior and Assisted Living communities in Chelmsford and Ayer, MA and she was always ready to welcome new residents and participate in activities.
She had a zest and joy for life that was unmatched. She could always see the bright side of any situation and was grateful for the many blessings in her life. Marie was very patriotic and was very honored that her father, husband, son and grandson-in-law all served in the US military.
She is survived by her four children, Karen M. Ondrovic, Thomas T. Leonard (Jean Cote), Kathleen M. Russell (James) and Marie T. Leonard (Eric Jokela). Cherished "Nan" to her three grandchildren, Katelyn Russell (Benjamin Roose), Christopher Russell and Matthew Russell (Lauren) and loving "Great Nan" to great-grandchildren Finn and Tate Russell-Roose, with another great-grandchild due in October. She is also survived by niece Carol Macomber, nephew John Cater and several grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Thomas A. Leonard, brother Neil Sorensen, sister Lucille H. Cater (Robert), and son-in-law Stephen R. Ondrovic. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie's memory to The Salvation Army, 150 Appleton Street, Lowell, MA 01853.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 PM at Mahoney Funeral Home, 187 Nesmith Street, Lowell, MA. Her funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 12 PM, followed by her committal service at St. Mary's Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury, MA.