Obituary of Julie M. Leonard

ILION – Ms. Julie M. Leonard, age 57, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2020 after an extended illness. Her passing occurred at the Grand at Mohawk Valley, where she received compassionate and heartfelt care during her last months. Born on May 21, 1963, Julie was the daughter of the late Howard and Fay (Mabbett) Leonard. She was raised and educated locally and was a graduate from Ilion High School. She also attended Herkimer County BOCES and was a NYS licensed beautician. Julie worked for many years as a Teacher’s Aide for the Ilion Central School District where she was passionate about the well-being of the students whose lives she was able to touch throughout her career. Julie was also passionate about her work with grief support and therapy; she wrote books pertaining to her experiences with grief and surviving after the loss of a loved one. She also facilitated grief support groups throughout the years. Julie was predeceased by her two beloved children, Rhiannon Boyer and Dustyn Boyer; her parents, Howard and Fay; as well as her brother, Kevin Leonard. She is survived by her brothers, former Mayor of Ilion, Terry Leonard and his wife, Linda, of Ilion, and Aaron Leonard and his wife, Irka, of Los Angeles, CA; her sisters, Sally Pugia and husband, Ralph of Longs, SC , and Robin Brandon and husband, Keith, of Middleburg, FL; her sister-in-law, Sandy Leonard of Long Island; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Due to current health restrictions, there will be a memorial graveside service for Julie at a later date and time, where her earthly remains will be laid to rest in Mt. View Memorial Gardens at the convenience of her family. The Leonard family has entrusted their sister’s final wishes to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.