Obituaries

Luella Leitner

Published: Jan 07, 2026 6:00 am

Luella Catherine Leitner of Newtown passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, at the age of 89.

She was born on March 1, 1936, in Tappan, N.Y., the second daughter of Robert and Mary McDermott. Upon graduating from Nyack High School, Luella attended Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing in Teaneck, N.J. to fulfill her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Luella spent most of her career working at Buckingham Gardens in Sandy Hook. Her kind and compassionate spirit suited her caring for the elderly.

Luella married John Joseph (Jack) Leitner on February 16, 1957. They were married for 63 years until Jack’s passing in July 2020. Jack’s job took them to West Virginia, Ohio, and New Jersey, and then to Newtown, where they lived for 48 years. As a devout Catholic, Luella was an active parishioner at St Rose of Lima Church. She was part of the St Rose Women’s Club, and you could often find her selling religious articles after Sunday mass to raise funds for the church. Her local community was an important part of her life, and she was a member of Newtown Homemakers Club, Visting Nurses Association (VNA), and volunteered at the VNA Thrift Shop.

Luella is survived by sister Judy, brother Robert, Aunt Fran, and children Mary (Roger), John (Mary), Monica (Roger), and Mark (Jackie), grandchildren Teresa (Andrew), Clare, Joe (Kuan), Molly, Jack, Thomas (Samantha), Patrick, and Jennifer, and great-grandchildren Oscar and George. Her grandchildren were a great source of joy and Luella (aka Grandma Lu) traveled often to visit with them and could be found cheering them from the sidelines at their sports games and attending their school functions. She was an avid college basketball fan, and her favorite team was the UConn Huskies Women’s team.

To honor her life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 9, at 11:30 am, at St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. Interment to immediately follow at St Rose of Lima Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate.

Luella Catherine Leitner of Newtown passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, at the age of 89.

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My darling, You were the best GRANDmother a child could ask for. You created so many great memories & traditions that I have passed down to your Great grandchildren. You brought joy into every room you stepped into. Your laughter, singing, whistling and the signature Rockettes high kicks, is something I will always hold in my heart. There was something about walking into your home and being greeted by your beautiful face. *kiss on each check* followed by HELLOOOOOO Darling! The classical music playing softly in the background and your love and comfort made your home, a safe space. Somewhere, where love knew no boundaries. It was so much more than a home. I aim for the same in my home, and play the classic music 24/7, but it will never be the same. I pray I can be 1/4 of GRAND, you put in GRANDmother. You were so resilient. You found the positive in every situation. I look up to you so much. I remember begging Mom and Dad for years to change my name to “Carmen”. They didn’t officially change my name, but eventually started calling me “Carmenita” as I am a little you. THE HONOR. You were there for me, no matter the day or hour. You were always the one who would talk me through whatever hard situation I was going through. When my baby passed away, I refused to talk to anyone for 3 weeks. Except for you. You said to me “Better days are coming, babes. There’s always a rainbow after the storm”. Of course, you were right, because you are GRAND. I picture you in heaven dancing and laughing with him. Uncle Jay playing the money game with him. To know you are with your children again & with mine does bring me some joy. Twas the night before Christmas & New Year’s Eve, will never be the same. Another tradition you created. A memory that will last forever. Not just with me, but for generations to come. It may not be the same, but we won’t let it die. It will live on, in your name. To be your first GRANDchild was a blessing. I could write an entire book about you & all the amazing things about you. Even though we were robbed of time together & it makes me angry, I know I will see you again. This isn’t a goodbye, but a “see you later”. Just like we ended every phone call. Ciao, darling. I love you. MWAH MWAH! Love your GRANDchild, Kimberly aka Carmenita

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Luella Leitner

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