Born and raised in Acushnet, MA, she was precocious and independent from the start. A lifelong student, she graduated with honors from New Bedford High School, Bridgewater College and Middlebury College (Masters), which prepared her for her long career in education at Barnstable High, Hyannis. Early in her tenure, she was granted a year sabbatical to Morocco, where she was the first woman to teach English to French-speaking Moroccans. Although Morocco was engaged in a civil war, she treasured her experience and extended her sabbatical for a second year. She returned to Barnstable High and became the Foreign Language Department Head. After 35 years teaching, she retired early to care for her ailing mother.
Amelia spent most summers photographing her travels throughout Europe and the US, solo or with her mother and 3 eldest nieces. She was always in attendance at family reunions, whether in Utica, NY, or the many states her brother and family held Thanksgivings. An intrepid driver, she brought “Granny” to each of her five nieces many sacraments and graduations. Until her Parkinson’s Disease and macular degeneration prevented her, she continued to attend most milestones involving her beloved family.
A lifelong learner, she loved reading, gardening, stamp and coin-collecting, playing piano and her Victorian pump organ, as well as sewing, making most of hers and her mother’s clothing.
She was an active member of St. Francis Parish, Acushnet, as a choir member and participating in several Bible studies. She volunteered as a homebound Eucharistic minister and drove the visually impaired. Amelia also generously supported a great many charities and Missions.
“Big Girl” was a devoted daughter to the late M. Amelia & Octave E. Leconte.
She was predeceased by her brother Octave (Gus)J. Leconte and his surviving wife, Barbara Leconte of Emerald Isle, NC. Gus & Barb gave “Em” the gift of 5 loving nieces and their families. Virginia Snook (Chet) of Newtown, PA and Cape Cod, MA; Barbara Luoma (Wayne) of Madison, NH; Donna Sullivan (Daniel) of Derry, NH; Dianne Hensley (Jeffery) of Manassas, VA and Emerald Isle, NC; and Debra Major of Sparta, NJ. In addition, she had 6 great-nieces and 4 great-nephews and 9 (and another on the way) great, great nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to recognize the incredible kindness and commitment of the staff at Taylor Community, especially in Amelia’s last months. Thank you to them and the Central NH VNA & Hospice; you are amazing!
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 10:00AM in St. Francis Xavier Parish, 125 Main Street, Acushnet, MA 02743. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 6:00PM in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 ASHLEY BLVD, NEW BEDFORD, MA 02745. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com
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