Mildred Myrne Leonard

December 9, 1921 - May 30, 2014

Mildred Leonard, 93, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away Friday, May 30, 2014, surrounded by the love of her family at her home in Punta Gorda. She was born in Clinton, Ind., to Elsie and George Baird. Her siblings include John Baird, George Baird, Marie Jacobson, and Eleizabeth Foster. She was introducted to the love of her life, Fred in 1938. They were married for 70 years. After living in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak until the early 1970s, they relocated their family to Florida. Mildred was a busy wife and a mother to four children who ages spanned sixteen years. Her nurturing and steadfast love as well as her sharp sense of humor served them all well. Mildred created a warm home that has been a comfortable haven for her family. Her grandchildren could count on a cold Coca-Cola and a bowl of chili as well as a welcoming place to just be. Family gatherings involved lots of delicious food, music and games. Mildred was a closet gambler who loved a good card game and a few lottery tickets. She spent 15 years as a volunteer with the Center for Group Counseling in Boca Raton, FL. (Now referred to as the Faulk Center for Counseling.) Mildred's creative hobby was making floral arrangements that she donated to local nursing homes. She will be missed by her children, Gayle (Stan) Hurd, Jeffrey (Denise) Leonard, Susan (David) Napolitano, and her daughter-in-law, Vicki Leonard. Mildred was a grandma and Ooma to Steven (Patricia) Leonard, Jessica (Victor) Saenz, Andrew Danciu, Corrie (Alexis) Danciu, Alex Leonard, and Allison Leonard. Her loving family also included great-grandchildren, Brandon (Caitlin) Leonard, Steven "Buddy" Leonard, Abby Leonard, and Annabelle Danciu. She was preceded in death by her husband , Fred Leonard; her son, Richard Leonard; and her grandson, Bryan Leonard. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution be made in Mildred's name to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952, or Faulk Center for Counseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433 or www.faultcenterforcounseling.org.