Valerie F. Leoniak, 69, of New Suffolk, died on October 30 at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital.
Formerly of Danbury, Connecticut, Fredon and Sparta, New Jersey, Greenwood, Lake, Queens, and West Hempstead, New York, she resided in New Suffolk for 17 years. She spent her childhood summers in Cutchogue and was so happy to retire to the area.
She attended The Mary Louis Academy and St. John’s University.
She was involved with the Sacred Heart Parish, was a member of the Cedarettes at the Cedars Golf Club in Cutchogue, and loved golfing, baking, painting and gardening. She was a gifted watercolor artist who captured the beauty of the North Fork in her paintings. She was also a hand quilter.
She was born on June 21, 1945 in New York, New York, to William and Enid Bollman, who predeceased her.
A homemaker, she leaves behind her husband, Peter, of New Suffolk, her daughter Elizabeth McDowell of Massachusetts, her son Michael of Garrison, New York, her son Nicholas of Colorado, and her daughter Catherine Santopadre of Colorado, as well as six grandchildren. She loved spoiling her dogs, Skipper and Waldo.
She bravely battled illness several times in her life and maintained her grace throughout.
Her family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for Valerie during her difficult days.
Arrangements have been made with the Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue, with visitation on Sunday, November 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. and a funeral mass to follow on Monday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Valerie’s name to the Cedars Golf Club at 305 Cases Lane, Cutchogue, New York, 11935.
