Leona Petrucci
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Gilford, NH---Leona Petrucci peacefully passed away July 12, 2008 at age 69 after a long and valiant battle with breast cancer. Leona was born November 3, 1938 in Boston, Massachusetts to Leon and Lennis Woods and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1956. She would follow in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in the printing industry and became a highly respected typesetter and proofreader in the graphic arts field.

In 1975, Leona met her husband, artist Samuel W. Petrucci. They had two children, Linda and Steven, and three stepchildren from Sam’s prior marriage, Lisa, Ken, and Maureen. Leona lived with her family in Beverly, MA up until 2006, when Leona retired from her job at Advance Notice in Peabody. Leona and Sam became snowbirds, living half the year in Gilford, NH at Lake Winnipesaukee, and the other half in Fort Pierce, FL.

Leona was known for her fun, easy-going personality and a deep love for her family and friends. She was always cheerful and optimistic, even when faced with the difficulties and challenges that her illness presented. Leona was adored by all who knew her and had a way of making everyone feel cherished. She was an exceptionally giving person and had an infectious laugh and sense of humor.

From the time she was a girl, Leona spent her summers at Lake Shore Park in Gilford, NH. She made life-long friends there and continued to visit year after year, bringing her children and extended family to the summer lake house. Lake Shore Park was Leona’s second home and she was able to spend her last days sitting quietly with her family by the lake that had meant so much to her. Leona and Sam celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary, June 29, 2008, surrounded by their many loved ones.

Besides being an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, co-worker, and friend, Leona was also an avid Red Sox fan. She never missed a game on television. She also enjoyed traveling and visited London, England, the Dominican Republic, New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, Florida and numerous other destinations over the years.

Leona is survived by her husband, Samuel Petrucci, of Gilford, NH; daughter, Linda Petrucci, of New York City, NY; son, Steven Petrucci, of Beverly, MA; stepdaughters, Lisa Petrucci of Seattle, WA and Maureen Beaupre of Fernandina Beach, FL; stepson, Ken Petrucci, of Newburyport, MA; and their spouses and “umpty-nine” grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Karen Vautour, and family, of Lynn, MA; and her brother, John Woods and family, of Gilford, NH.

Leona will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. She will forever remain loved in our hearts.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 from 2:00PM-4:00PM and 7:00PM-9:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.        

Services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 11:00AM-2:00PM at the Pavilion at Lake Shore Park, 2600 Lake Shore Road, Gilford, N.H. 03249.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Vermont/NH Affiliate, PO Box 2496, Manchester Center, Vermont 05255.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is in charge of the arrangements.