Jill Ann Leary, 60, died at her home in Sandy Hook August 26, after a long battle with bladder cancer. She was the cherished wife of 40 years to Brian Leary, and together they were surrounded by their loving daughters and families, Jennifer Leary with Michael and Anthony, and Laura and Jay Hurtado, with Jayden, Lilianna, Vivianna, and Energy; as well as Ms Leary’s devoted mother, Peggy Kotick.

She was born and educated in Queens, N.Y., living in Richmond Hill, where she raised her family. She later studied to be a registered nurse, working in North Shore Hospital, Manhasset, N.Y. 

The Learys moved to Connecticut during the Northeast Blackout of August 2003. Here Ms Leary began to improve their new home and property. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, holiday decorating and house tours, and was always delighted with new designs. She attended ball games, theater, museums, and was present at all family and friends’ occasions. She particularly took pleasure in all that encompassed holiday festivities.

Wherever Ms Leary was, she immediately nurtured a network of friends and friendships from New York to Connecticut, through her calm approach to life. She was an undeniably lovely lady to all who knew her. Proper in her appearance, and easy with a smile, she was a comfort that naturally attracted lasting relationships.

Professionally, she continued to nurse at North Shore Hospital, and occasionally at New Milford Hospital.

She was an active member at St Rose of Lima’s Women’s Club, enjoying her role on the Hospitality Committee, doing good for others. She only saw good in others.

Ms Leary approached each role in her life — daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, in-law, friend, neighbor, nurse — with dutiful attention. She enjoyed her life.

Although disease attacked her body, it never reached her soul; her husband guarded her soul. Ms Leary remained optimistic, was continually interested in her family and friends’ lives, and hardly focused on her own situation. She was often compared to the gentleness of Melanie from Gone With The Wind. The difference was that Ms Leary was genuine. She wanted others to know that “Life wasn’t so bad.”

She will be deeply and sadly missed by family and friends.

In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, her brother and his wife, Tadd and Diana Kotick; a multitude of fond in-laws; and her five nephews and six nieces survive Ms Leary.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Friday, August 28, from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St Rose of Lima Church, Saturday, August 29, at 9:30 am. Interment will follow in St Rose Cemetery.

To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com.