Mary Stiles Leonard, 94, died peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2014 after a long and gradual period of declining health.

She was born in Yonkers, N.Y., on March 28, 1920, and attended Syracuse University.  She was married to William J. Leonard, who predeceased her in 2010, for 72 years. The couple lived much of their life together in the various suburbs of Hartford, Conn., before moving to the Knight’s Hill community in Bridgton.  They subsequently lived in Scottsville, N.Y., then returned to Bridgton, before becoming residents of Quail Hollow in West Lebanon, N.H. near their daughter Linda Fowler. After Bill’s death, Mary moved to Harvest Hill in Lebanon, N.H. and spent her last days at the Genesis Lebanon Center.

Mary had an artistic bent that she expressed in oil paint or watercolor. She enjoyed classical music, frequently gave music lessons to young beginners, and played the piano until failing eyesight curtailed her daily practice sessions. She was famous for her lemon meringue pie. Her enthusiasm for travel and meeting new people was legendary within her family. She and Bill traveled extensively in Europe and the United States. On one of their many trips to the British Isles, she had the thrill of meeting James Herriot, a favorite author.

Mary spent the early years of her marriage raising her two daughters before joining Allstate Insurance Company. After retirement, she actively engaged in volunteer pursuits, particularly with various Episcopal parishes, as a member of the Molly Ockett Chapter of the DAR in Maine, and in support of the Bridgton Hospital.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Linda Fowler of Hanover, N.H. and Mary Hansley of Islamorada, Fla. “Grammy” provided unconditional love and support to her four grandchildren and delighted in their company. She was adored by her eight great-grandchildren to whom she was devoted. Her favorite times were family gatherings enlivened with good food, wine and singing.

Interment will take place at a later date in the family plot at Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield, Mass.