Mariellen Theresa Hanrahan Leonhartt of Seaford was peacefully called by the Lord and entered the gates of heaven on Tuesday, May 10 in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was strong in her faith and instilled morals and values within her nuclear and extended family.
Mariellen is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Frank Leonhartt. She is survived by her five children, their spouses and 15 grandchildren, Frank and Maureen Leonhartt and grandchildren, Greg, Matt, and Mia of Eldersburg, Md.; Edward and Nancy Leonhartt and grandchildren, Addy, Mack, and Brooks of Lewes; Amy and Matthew Lucas and grandchildren, Jake, Julia, Isabelle, and Grace of Marriottsville, Md.; Regina and David Vernier and grandchildren, Tyler and Victoria of Arnold, Md.; and Kathy and Jon Vranek and grandchildren, Evan, Emily and Elliott of Columbia, Md.
Mariellen was born in Albany, NY on March 28, 1939. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julia and John Hanrahan and her granddaughter, Gillian Hope Leonhartt. She was the youngest of three children. She is survived by her brother, John Hanrahan and his wife Barbara of Williamsburg, VA and her sister, Jean Hanrahan of South Bend, IN. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Vermont.
Mariellen was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes for over 50 years and served the church community in many ways, including lecturing, bake sales, Christmas Bazaar volunteering, and choir. She was actively committed to church causes and volunteering. She took pride in assisting in the church dinners and participating in the Bible groups.
Before becoming a homemaker, she worked as an executive secretary at Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington, VT. While supporting her large and very active family, she maintained her interests in gardening through her Garden Club. She continued to serve the community through the Acorn Club for many years, serving as the club’s secretary. She and Frank enjoyed attending community concerts and traveling. Additionally, she worked part time at Woolworth’s and American Greetings.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, May 14 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Seaford. Burial was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
Mariellen contributed to various philanthropic organizations regularly. The family graciously suggests in lieu of flowers to honor Mariellen donations be made to one of the following that she supported: Food for the Poor, Catholic Vote and Special Olympics.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.