Mildred M. Leonard

Mildred Myrne (Baird) Leonard passed away on Friday, May 30th 2014, surrounded by the love of her family at her home in Punta Gorda, Florida. Mildred was born on December 9th, 1921 in Clinton, Indiana to Elsie and George Baird. Her siblings include John Baird, George Baird, Marie (Baird) Jacobson and Elizabeth (Baird) Foster. Mildred was introduced to the love of her life, Fred, in 1938. They were married for seventy years. After living in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak until the early 1970's , they relocated their family to Florida. Mildred was a busy wife and a mother to four children whose ages spanned sixteen years, which found her parenting toddlers and teenagers at the same time. Her nurturing and steadfast love as well as her sharp sense of humor served them all well. She created a warm home that has been a comfortable haven for her family. Mildred's grandchildren could count on a cold Coca-Cola and a bowl of chili as well as welcoming place to just be. Family gatherings always involved lots of delicious food, music and games. Mil was a closet gambler who loved a good card game and a few lottery tickets. When her children were grown, Mildred's passion turned to volunteering to help others. She spent 15 years as a volunteer with the Center for Group Counseling in Boca Raton, Florida (now referred to as the Faulk Center for Counseling). Her creative hobby was making floral arrangements that she donated to local nursing homes. She will be missed by her children, Gayle Hurd (Stan), Jeffrey Leonard (Denise), Susan Napolitano (David) and her daughter-in-law, Vicki Leonard. She was grandma (and "Ooma") to Steven Leonard (Patricia), Jessica Hurd Saenz (Victor), Andrew Danciu, Corrie Danciu (Alexis), Alex Leonard and Allison Leonard. Mildred's loving family also included great-grandchildren; Brandon Leonard (Caitlin), Steven "Buddy" Leonard, Abby Leonard and Annabelle Danciu. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Fred Leonard; her son, Richard Leonard; and her grandson, Bryan Leonard. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution be made in Mildred's name to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 1144 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 or Faulk Center for Counseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road Boca Raton, FL 33433 or www.faulkcenterforcounseling.org.