Published December 7, 2015 at 3:40 p.m.
Janice M. Leonard, 90, of Essex died on Monday, December 7, 2015 at the Starr Farm Nursing Center in Burlington.
She was born in Elmwood, WI on May 15, 1925 the daughter of Edward and Jane (Taylor) Balfanz. On April 23, 1949 she was married in Elmwood to Howard T. Leonard. He predeceased her on June 3, 2011 after 62 years of marriage.
Janice loved to crochet and enjoyed daily games of cribbage. She was best remembered for her kindness towards others and generous giving of her handmade afghans, which were distributed lovingly to her friends and family.
She also enjoyed attending Red Sox games at Fenway Park with her husband. She always enjoyed music and played piano for many years.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Starr Farm for their care and compassion during Janices stay with them.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Shelley Leonard & husband Iain Fletcher of Winooski, Jim & Joyce Leonard of Rapid City, SD, Rob & Sylvie Leonard of South Burlington and John & Lisa Leonard of Essex with whom she spent the past five years under their loving care; 5 grandchildren, Joe, Mike, Dan, Danielle and Alex.
There will be no visiting hours and private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimers Association of Vermont, 300 Cornerstone Dr., Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are in the care of the Redy Funeral Home Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Drive, Essex Jct.. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.