October 14, 1935 – April 23, 2025
Cynthia Mary Leone passed peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Lydia Kathleen (Landis) Werner and Albert Lincoln Werner Jr.
Cynthia graduated from Penn Manor–Millersville High School and Millersville State Teachers College (now Millersville University), where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Primary–Elementary Education. She dedicated her career to teaching, beginning at George Ross School in Lancaster and later serving at the former St. Mary’s Parochial School in Steelton and Melrose Elementary School in Harrisburg. As one of the first Head Start teachers at Melrose, Cynthia helped shape the lives of countless young students. She also taught preschool at Derry Street United Methodist Church. A woman of deep faith, Cynthia was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir, was a member of The Legion of Mary at the Nazareth House, participated in the Sewing Group and volunteered her time on a weekly basis.
Cynthia is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Gilbert Joseph Leone; her sons, James Gilbert Leone of Towson, Maryland, and Christopher Albert Leone and his wife Miriam of Camp Hill; and her daughter, Michelle Annette Watson and her husband Lincoln of New York City. She was the devoted grandmother of Ricardo and Fernando Morel, whom she cherished dearly. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Cynthia was preceded in death by her twin brother, Albert Lincoln Werner III; her brother, Peter Werner; and her sisters, Annie Van Dyke and Aileen Longenecker.
Cynthia found joy in music and singing, dancing, sewing, gardening, and cooking. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 11:30am with a viewing held prior to starting at 10am. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Military Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, in honor of Cynthia’s lifelong commitment to education and faith.
May she rest in eternal peace.
