Maureen Anne (Stella) Leonard

Maureen Anne Leonard, 77, of Ipswich, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Maureen was born to John and Anne Stella and grew up in Randolph, Massachusetts. She had a happy childhood; her aunts and uncles all lived nearby, and at any given time there could be up to thirty cousins to play with in the neighborhood.

Maureen studied Elementary Education at Bridgewater State College, received her Master’s in Education at Salem State College and her Principal Certification at Northeastern University.  A devoted educator, Maureen founded Small World Nursery School in Ipswich, where she gave hundreds of young children their very first school experience.

Maureen later taught second grade at Winthrop School. She was a beloved teacher; everyone adored Mrs. Leonard. She taught Ipswich children not only to read but she instilled in them a lifelong love for books. Her students and colleagues loved being in her classroom because it was a calm, welcoming, and positive place to be. Maureen touched many lives during her years in education, creating life-long friendships along the way.

Maureen was very active in the Ipswich Garden Club, where she found abundant joy during her retirement. Although she loved all plants and flowers, she had a special place in her heart for trees. Her memory lives on in the annual Arbor Day Celebration held at Winthrop School and in the Town of Ipswich’s designation as an Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City.

Maureen treasured spending time with her daughters, and traveling and taking walks with her husband, Jack. She was an exceptional Nana to her four grandchildren. They will remember Nana for all the love, guidance, patience and laughter she shared with them.

Maureen was known for her elegance and poise, her ability to offer a listening ear, her practical, thoughtful, solid advice, for making learning fun, and for being a loyal and true friend. She exemplified beauty, grace, and kindness in all she did, and her presence will be profoundly missed.

Maureen leaves behind her devoted husband of over 55 years, Jack, her two loving daughters, Jackie (and Corey) Teguis, Jessica (and Alex) Nagle, and four grandchildren, Nicholas, Stella, Timothy, and Julia.

She is survived by her three brothers and their families: John, Patrick, and Joe Stella.

A private service will be held in January.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ipswich Garden Club, PO Box 498, Ipswich MA 01938.

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