Carol Jaffrey Leonard

Carol Jaffrey Leonard 8/30/46 – 2/21/17 Carol was born in San Antonio TX, the middle daughter of Harold and Ann Jaffrey. Her family moved often during her childhood. In 1963 the family moved to Clinton, IA as she started her senior year. Gene Leonard hit the jackpot when Carol sat across from him in English class. They went to the Clinton HS prom together in 1964 and then they both went on to the Univ of Iowa, where the relationship wavered. As a second year teacher in Alexandria, Carol called an old friend of Gene’s to learn of his address and begin writing to him in Vietnam. Their bond was renewed with such ardor, that when Gene returned from Vietnam in Oct 1970, they were married in April 1971. Their love has produced three lovely daughters - Miriam (Dave), Erica (Casey) and Ginger (Tim). She was happiest as Grandma Carol, when she was playing with her six grandchildren - Liam and Owen Horgan, Adilene and Lyle Johnson and Samuel and Oliver Poulton. The joy they gave Grandma was beyond words. Carol spent her entire career as a beloved and popular teacher in the Alexandria Public Schools, where she was affectionately known as the "hat lady." Her teaching methods were legendary and parents would lobby hard to get their children into Carol’s class. She was the consummate hostess, bringing friends together for parties, craft lessons and game days. Carol and Gene both retired in 2006 and enjoyed traveling, golf, mahjong and babysitting their six grandchildren. Carol was always surrounded by friends and family whether in Falls Church or Mt Gretna, PA. She gave selflessly to everyone and her joy and warmth will be missed. Visitation: 10am - 2pm, Saturday, Feb 25 at National Memorial Park Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042 Burial: Private for Immediate Family Memorial Service: 5:30pm, Sunday, Feb 26 at Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland St, Falls Church, VA 22043. Reception with appetizers to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church: PO Box 427 Mt. Gretna, PA 17064.