Lorna J. Leonard, 82, of New Paltz, died Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at her home.

Born in Toledo, OH, she was the daughter of the late Ben & Edith Rice Long.

Lorna had a love of flying since she was a child. In 11th grade, her Senior Girl Scout troop report was “Airplanes - Up to Now”. She graduated from Libbey High School in 1960 and after attending the University of Toledo, she moved to Kansas City to pursue her dreams of flight. In September 1964 she graduated from TWA “stewardess” school and was assigned to Los Angeles International Airport. In 1965 she was transferred to NYC where she met the second love of her life, Jimmy Leonard. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Lorna was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church. In her earlier years she enjoyed singing in the choir and later volunteered in the church thrift shop. She was famous for baking and decorating cakes for every occasion. She enjoyed her little vegetable and flower garden in Queens Village where she lived most of her life.

Lorna took joy in the small things in life: vanilla ice cream cones, dolls, dragons, babies and little children. Oh, and let's not forget Montauk and the 740 lb tuna she caught in 1977! Lorna had been diagnosed with Alzheimers and she was an inspiration to her family as she faced each challenge with grace and humor.

Lorna is survived by her husband, James Leonard of New Paltz, a son, Joseph Leonard of Flower Mound, TX, a daughter, Julie Hyland and her husband, Jim of New Paltz, a brother, Ben Long of Toledo, OH, a sister, Barbara Soliday and her husband, John of Miami, FL, a brother, Doug Long and his wife Jan, of Kent, OH, five grandchildren, Madison, James, Jack, Brooke and Ryan. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Lorna was predeceased by a brother, Herral Long and a sister, Ellen Holey.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers that gave Lorna such exceptional care and the wonderful people at Hudson Valley Hospice that help Lorna and the family.

The family will receive friends at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Rd, New Paltz on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:30 PM.

A Funeral Service will follow at the funeral home at 4:30 with Pastor Limina Grace Harmon of New Paltz United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will be held privately.

Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Lorna with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Love, Nana by Backyard Players & Friends https://www.bypandfriends.com/lovenana or to Hudson Valley Hospice https://www.hvhospice.org