Velma Leonard

Velma Ella Leonard, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt at the age of 84 was reunited with her husband on April 13, 2016. Velma was born at home in Tyre, NY on February 14, 1932; one of 12 children of Claude and Sarah Joslyn. She graduated from East Smithfield High School in Pennsylvania in 1950. After graduation she married the love of her life John and moved to Watkins Glen, NY. Velma worked at Borg-Warner in Ithaca and retired after 26 years. She enjoyed puzzles, bingo, gambling, watching Dancing with the Stars, and was an avid sports fan. Velma could be seen driving her scooter to Layfette Park. She enjoyed countless hours with her best buddy Precious (dog) who passed away in January. She was predeceased by her parents; husband John; sister, Shirley Buck; brother, David Joslyn; and sister-in-law and best friend Ruby Joslyn. She is survived by four children, Frank (Sharon) Leonard of Norwalk, Iowa; John Leonard of Watkins Glen; Crystal (Jay) Banks of Montour Falls, and Melissa (Jim) Blanchard of Watkins Glen; 9 surviving siblings, Margaret States, Edna Robbins, Richard Joslyn, Alice Sampson, Franklin Joslyn, Claude Joslyn Jr., Barbara Williams, Gary Joslyn and Judith Henley; 8 grandchildren, Nicky (Steve) Stockman, Erick (Rachel) Leonard, Tanya (Bryan) Hilfiger, Anthony Banks, James Simone, Adam Banks, Scott Leonard, and Andrew Blanchard; 8 great-grandchildren; and 131 nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Many others considered her their second mom and adopted grandma. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Saturday, April 16, from 12pm-2pm; followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Glenwood Cemetery for immediate family to follow. A reception will be held at the Montour Falls Moose Lodge at 3:00pm.In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Schuyler County Humane Society, PO Box 427, Montour Falls, NY 14865. You may express condolences to the family or "Light a Candle of Remembrance" online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.