Helen E. (Bowditch) Leonard
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Helen E. (Bowditch) Leonard 95 of Greenwood, IN, ascended into heaven on Friday, August 13, 2021 at home. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio where she grew up with her parents Frederick Tyron Bowditch, Eleanor Lucile Wise Bowditch and her two brothers - Frederick Wise and David Nathaniel. A WWII supporter from the USO to Victory Garden, she received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, Student Dietician graduate of University of Minnesota and master's degree from Purdue University in 1952...where she met and married the love of her life - Walter William Leonard.
They raised their three children - Jeff, John & Susan - near Walt's father's farm near Dublin, Indiana and then spent 3 decades in Connersville, Indiana. A woman before her time with a MBA in nutrition, Helen worked as Head Dietician at Connersville Regional Hospital for 3 decades. Active in her children's and husband's lives, she supported Walt's building business, sang in the church choir for 60 years, headed up over a dozen volunteer organizations, volunteered for countless events, was a Sunday school teacher, a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, and a driver extraordinaire for piano, dance and athletic competitions.
Helen lived life with a cheerful and adventurous spirit...loving downhill skiing until her late 70s, she was a worldwide traveler and one of the best friends you could ever find. She listened and cared for others sincerely - never missing a thing. She was always smiling and often laughing. And her wit! She could throw "zingers" that came out of nowhere that would have you unexpectedly busting out in laughter. A believer and role model in Christ, she was loved and will be missed by many.
Helen is survived by her brother, Dave (Viv) Bowditch of Olmstead Township, OH; two sons: Jeff (Jeanne Leonard) of Connersville, IN: John (Sharon) Leonard of Colorado Springs: one daughter, Susan Leonard of St. Charles, MO: one Granddaughter Daniella (n?e Leonard) Netherland: Grandson-in-law James Netherland: and two Great Granddaughters - Avalynn and Eden Netherland of Bryan, Texas: 2 nieces Jane Bowditch Towne of Brecksville, OH; Pat Bowditch St. John of Bethesda, MD and 1 nephew Dave Bowditch of Bay Village, OH.
Helen was proceeded in death by her parents - Frederick and Eleanor Bowditch, Walt - her husband of 63 years, and her brother Frederick Wise Bowditch.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11:00 am at Center Grove Church, 2340 S State Rd 135 in Greenwood, IN 46143. The interment will follow immediately after the service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 734 N Morgantown Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142. A lunch will be served for all to join the family immediately after the burial at 5356 Michael Court, Greenwood, IN 46142
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to our marvelous Hospice group that took care of, not only Helen but Walt...so very special these folks are! Go to "eCommunity.com/Donate". Make sure you check the box for Hospice of where to apply your gift.
Swartz Family Church and Chapel ~ Funeral and Cremation Services in Greenwood, IN is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-881-0202.