Nelly Paulette Leonard age 99 of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Mercy One Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 11, 2024 at Christ Episcopal Church. Burial will be in Clinton Lawn Cemetery with a luncheon to follow back at the church. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Nelly was born in Paris, France on November 13, 1924, the daughter of Pierre and Helene (Beauhaire) Valette. She was raised by her grandmother Miette Valette in the center of France. She moved to Paris where she met, fell in love, and married Corp. Laurence Leonard on October 5, 1946 in Paris, France. She came to Iowa in December of 1946. Laurence passed away on December 24, 2020. Nelly was employed at Mercy Hospital for 20 years retiring in 1989. Nelly was a very active member of Christ Episcopal Church. She also loved to garden (with Larry) and play cards with their family and friends. Nelly found true joy in cooking, but especially in cooking for others. She ensured that every person she met was well-fed and well-loved. The table was always set with food to spare in case any hungry visitor stopped by and her door was always open for others; her heart was much the same. Nelly loved freely and openly without reservations or conditions – and people loved her in turn. While her immediate family may be small, she made a family out of the lives she touched. Larry and Nelly were inseparable until the end and their family finds solace in knowing they are together, walking arm in arm, once more.
Nelly is survived by her son, Pierre Leonard of Clinton; a granddaughter, Brennan Leonard of Dubuque; a grandson Booker Collins, and two great-grandchildren, London and Leo. She was preceded in death by a sister, 3 brothers and her “little sister” Joyce Ewalt.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, lab personnel, aides, receptionists, and anyone who cared for and grew to love Nelly –and a special thanks to her oncology family who provided 10 years of laughs, smiles, hugs, tears, and love. She truly loved you and held each of you in her heart. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.