Leona F. Tarasevich

September 18, 2023, one day shy of her 92nd birthday. She brought joy to all who knew her and was known by many names, including Nana, Mema, Sparky, Fireball and “The Lady”. Like the recent Hurricane “Lee”, she was powerful, long-lasting, and made a significant impact. She was known for her bright red lipstick, signature pouf and vibrant, sassy personality. She thoroughly enjoyed playing setback, bocce, shuffleboard and bingo, both in Florida and at The Saybrook at Haddam where she made her home the last two years. Before that, she was a long time snowbird who traveled between Old Saybrook, CT and the sunny Florida Gulf Coast.

Lee was a registered nurse, her true calling. She worked at New Britain General and Lawrence & Memorial Hospitals in both maternity and the PACU. She managed to obtain her Bachelor’s degree while working and raising 3 children in New Britain.

She is predeceased by the love of her life Edward Tarasevich, to whom she was married 67 years. She is survived by 3 daughters, Lori Salinger and her husband Steven of Amston, CT; Sharon Burke and husband Steve of Guilford, CT; Caren Goodhue and husband Todd of Old Saybrook, CT; seven grandchildren including Sean Salinger and wife Jenna of Bradenton FL; Shannon Wagner and husband Kevin of Coventry CT; Shaela Pilver and husband JD of Newington, CT; Megan Burke of Guilford, CT; Kathryn Burke of Brooklyn, NY; Caitlyn Goodhue of New York, NY and Bethany Goodhue of Milford, CT. She was also a wonderful and loving great grandmother to three incredibly lucky children - Scarlett and Silas Salinger and Adeline Wagner. She also had numerous friends, both in CT and FL. A special thank- you goes out to her wonderful aide, Belinda Stevens. Her spirit and exuberant laugh will be remembered by many.

Family and friends may call at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook, CT from 8:30-9:30 am on Saturday, September 23rd, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. John’s Church, 161 Main St, Old Saybrook. Burial will be at St Mary’s cemetery in New Britain, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Ed and parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Foundation. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit rwwfh.com.