Betty Ann Leonard

Feb. 27, 1926 – April 13, 2017

Betty was born in Caldwell, NJ, the daughter of Arthur and Ruth Gibson.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bruce C. Leonard, son, James B. Leonard and brother, Arthur Gibson Jr.

She is survived by her Sister, Dot Burns; Daughter, Joanne Woodard (Leonard); son, John L. Leonard

Grandchildren, Jennifer, Steven, Michael, and Aimee

Great grandchildren, Victoria, Christian, Ashlyn, Colin, and Arabella

In 1945, after completing High School in Caldwell, she and a friend moved to Miami, Florida. Betty worked as an account asst. for Melrose Nursery in Miami. There she met Bruce C. Leonard and they married in 1947. After marriage, she became a Kindergarten teacher for Alapada Baptist church for about 5 years.

She became a stay at home mom in 1956 when she had a daughter, Joanne, and then followed twin brothers John and Jim.

After her children became school age she began working for the Dade County School System, working part time until her children graduated, then became full time until she retired in 1994.

Bruce and Betty lived in Miami for 30 years and when Betty retired moved to Lake Placid, Florida.

Bruce and Betty enjoyed many years of camping, beginning in the 70’s with a small 15’ Shasta trailer, and over the years they move their way up to Motorhome camping.

They traveled from Miami to New Jersey and every state in between. They made it their goal to visit every State Park in Florida, and owned property in Hilton Head South Carolina.

They were also able to make 2 trips out west to Denver Co. where Bruce’s mother and sisters lived for many years.

Bruce died in Jan. 2005. They had been married for 58 years.

She moved to N. Ft. Myers where she bought a smaller home and lived on her own for 3 years. After having health and memory problems she moved in with her son John and daughter in-law Cyndi.

In October 2014 Betty became a resident of Page Rehab. and Health Care. While there she participated in many activities but the one she loved the most was Sunday worship, bible studies, and art.

Arrangements under the direction of HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME, Fort Myers, FL.