Margaret Lee Leone

Margaret Lee Leone (née Grundy), affectionately known as "Nana," passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, at Somerset Woods Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home in Somerset, NJ, at the age of 96.

Margaret was born on September 27, 1927, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Margaret Grundy Mays and Charles L. Grundy. She graduated from Central High School in Akron Ohio, class of 1946 and later pursued her studies at the Saranac Lake Study & Craft Guild, where she became a Photofluorographic Operator in 1951. This led to her becoming a Licensed X-ray Technician in 1954.

After moving to New Jersey, Margaret began her career at Clara Maass Hospital in Newark as an assistant in a small, two-room radiology department. Through her leadership and vision, she helped grow and develop the department, later becoming the head of radiology when the hospital moved to Belleville. She also served as Director of the Clara Maass School of Radiology. Her career spanned over 35 years, earning her numerous accolades, and she was a proud member of the American Society of X-Ray Technicians.

Margaret is predeceased by her son, Kirby Cleveland, and her sister, Sue Young. She is survived by her children: Florence Cleveland, Donna Jones, Margaret Leone (Goodwin Varghese), Gerard Leone (Covie McGuffin), and Linda Dillard (Eric Dillard Sr.). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Towanda Denise Cleveland, Nicholl Rogers, Nicholas Jones, Ashley Johnson, Eric Dillard Jr., Sarah Dillard, her great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends. Nana also adored the family dogs, who brought her endless joy and companionship.

After her retirement, Margaret returned to Louisville, Kentucky, where she proudly supported the city’s sports teams. A historian at heart, she loved sharing the rich culture and history of her hometown with family and friends. Margaret was also an avid member of Bible study groups and a devoted worshipper at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church and later Southeast Christian Church, where she deepened her faith and connection to Jesus Christ.

Margaret’s life was filled with many joys. She loved driving, traveling to New Jersey  for the holidays, cooking, and watching football—her favorite sport. She enjoyed daily exercise, particularly aquatic workouts at the Y, and always sported her signature red nails. A true fashionista, she loved dressing up, shopping, and spending time at the movies or dining out with loved ones.

Some of the family’s fondest memories include beach trips, backyard BBQs, and vacations in Martha’s Vineyard. Margaret cherished the milestones of her family, from the weddings of her daughters and granddaughter Nicholl to the graduations of her grandchildren. Though she was unable to attend, she took great joy in her son Jerry’s marriage in 2023. One of the family’s most treasured experiences was their two-day trip to the African American Museum of History in Washington, DC to celebrate Margaret’s 90th birthday.

Margaret Lee Leone lived an extraordinary life, full of love and devotion to her family. Her legacy of warmth, leadership, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.