Mary Ann Leon, 88, of 480 Maple City Drive, Hornell, NY died peacefully Friday, October 2, 2020, following a brief illness.
Born in Hornell on February 27, 1932, she was the daughter of Juan and Annie (Grillo) Orihuel.
Mary Ann grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1949. Following high school, she worked various jobs and completed her last six years of employment in office administration at Stern and Stern Industries — a job she truly loved.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.
On September 25, 1971, she married Earl W. Leon of Alfred, NY. She and Earl especially enjoyed traveling and hosting family & friends in homes they maintained in Florida and New York. Mary Ann particularly loved playing cards, cooking, and family gatherings. She was also an avid football and basketball sports fan. Her beloved husband Earl died May 18, 2006.
Surviving are her children, Don (Cheryl) House of Millbrook, AL; Ron (Barb) House of Sun City Center, FL; Kathy (House) Wright of Prattville, AL; John (Sheryl) House of Alfred Station, NY; step-children David (Becky) Leon of Canandaigua, NY; and Diane Trimble of Geneseo, NY; 2 sisters, JoAnn McCarthy of Nashua, NH and Lucy Orihuel of Sarasota, FL; 19 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews & cousins.
At Mary Ann’s request, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with a “Celebration of Life” to be held at a future date.
Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Mary Ann’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148 or by visiting https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
We are so very sorry to read the news of Mary Ann’s passing. We met her and Earl when we moved into their former house on Jericho Hill. Our new home seemed much warmer after hearing Mary Ann tell stories of how it was the center of their family life! We kept in touch through the years and it was always a pleasure to hear from her. Our deepest sympathies are sent to all of her family.
My wife, Doris, and I have many fond memories of my step sister, Mary Ann. While visiting my home in Hornell often, we would try and see her. sometimes it was difficult because Mary Ann was always on the move; helping someone; going to see friends and relatives; and just enjoying life to the fullest! On one visit, we had dinner at her home, with my other step sister, Lucy. We had many laughs and much food, which was cooked to perfection!! We also kept in touch, via many text messages, and was so proud of her knowledge of technology!! God has a special place for this very wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and special friend to so many!! She will be dearly missed here, but joined someday in her Heavenly Home. We love you Mary Ann and thank God for the privilege it has been to know your heart of compassion for so many! May God’s eternal peace be yours!
We met Mary Ann over 20 years ago while visiting John and Sheryl House. (My sister) Over all these years Mary Ann has always been so kind and welcoming to us. We are so glad that we were able to see her last July. Her beautiful smile and amazing energy will be will us always. Our thoughts are with all of her family.
sabatini143@icloud.com
My Aunt MaryAnn was truly one of a kind. She was so charming, loving, energetic and was always the social butterfly. Her and her card games and big dinners her sense of humor and her good will for everyone will always be in my heart and memories. She loved us all and we loved her. She will be greatly greatly missed and i am sure she is hanging out with the rest of our family and her friends playing cards and telling stories up in Heaven. Much love to her and our family.
Cyndi Moran
I was shocked to learn of MaryAnn’s passing. I knew her and her family all my life. We were more than neighbors, we were family. There are no words to describe the feeling of the loss of a family member. MaryAnn was full of love and happiness with a smile always on her beautiful face. I’m so happy that we reconnected on Facebook after so many years when we moved from Hornell. My deepest condolences to all her family. Sending love, hugs and prayers that God will help you through this terrible time. MaryAnn will be watching over all of you. RIP, MaryAnn, you are loved and missed.
Dorina Nardecchia Kelsey
Mary Ann was like a second mother to me as I grew up on Elm Street and played football and release with John and all the other kids on John Street. I loved it when she invited me to stay for dinner which consisted of home made spaghetti sauce and pasta. I just saw her again recently for the first time in years and she referred to me as “Little Tommy House”. My sympathy to John, Ronnie, Donny and Kathy. Your mother treated me like her own son. She was loved and she will be missed.
Thomas House
I will never forget how kind and sweet Mary Ann Leon was to me when I would visit her and Earl Leon back in the 70’s with my parents. Such loving people you cannot forget. Mary Ann kept in touch with me over the years with email messages just to see how I was doing, and when my dad passed such a kind hearted sympathy note she sent me. I made my donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her name. Mary Ann had a huge heart, and a loving family I will never ever forget. God Bless you Mary Ann, and Earl and your family. Jeff