Obituary of Patricia Ann Leoniec

Patricia Ann Leoniec of Lawrenceville, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2023, surrounded by the loving care of her family. Patricia was a dedicated and beloved educator, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of her students during her tenure as a teacher and English department chair at Notre Dame High School, her alma mater. For nearly 25 years, she devoted herself to nurturing young minds, inspiring countless students to pursue their dreams. Her influence extended beyond the classroom, as several of her former students chose to follow in her footsteps and become teachers themselves. Patricia volunteered as the faculty advisor for Notre Dame's yearbook, The Canticle, and as a chaperone on countless school trips, promoting a love for exploration and learning in her students while visiting England, Ireland, Spain, Australia and many other countries around the world. Born in Trenton, NJ, in 1948 to Sophie and Joseph Leoniec of St. Hedwig's parish, Patricia completed her high school education at Notre Dame in 1966. She pursued her passion for literature and language from Rider College, graduating with a degree in English in 1970 and later pursued her Master's degree in Education from Rider, enhancing her teaching skills to positively impact the lives of her students even further. Patricia had a boundless curiosity and thirst for knowledge that allowed her to learn about and explore different cultures to broaden her horizons. Her brilliant and hilarious storytelling left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she cared about, making friends feel like they were family during Friday pizza nights. Patricia’s inquisitive mind and intellectual prowess shone through in her love for games and puzzles, particularly her passion for crosswords and trivia. During the 1980s, she even excelled as a member of a competitive Trivial Pursuit team, showcasing her sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge. In her later years, Patricia found comfort in the companionship of her beloved pet cat, Jettie, who brought her immeasurable joy. She delighted in the world of books, spending countless hours engrossed in literature that enriched her understanding of the world. Patricia also enjoyed indulging in British television series and game shows, where her extensive experience as an English teacher gave her an advantage on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Patricia is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Salvatore Zulla, along with her nephew and godson, Michael, and his wife Caitlin, as well as her Aunt Leah Ciarka and many cousins A funeral mass and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 23, at 11 am at the Church of St. Ann's parish in Lawrenceville, commemorating what would have been Patricia's 75th birthday. In honoring her memory, friends and family are welcome to attend and share their cherished stories of a remarkable woman whose life touched so many. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to: St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tn 38105