Bernadette L. Leonard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bernadette L. Leonard (nee Weber), who left us peacefully on October 12, 2024, at the age of 89.

Born in Chicago on September 14, 1935, Bernie was a beacon of love, strength, and kindness. She dedicated her life to her family, creating a home filled with faith and unconditional love. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support were the cornerstones of her family's happiness and success. Bernie was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother to eight children, grandmother to eighteen, and great-grandmother to seven. Cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. Her legacy will be treasured forever.

Bernie was predeceased by her husband Gerald Samuel Leonard, son Joseph and daughter-in-law Ann Komel, daughter Suzanne, son William, parents Catherine (Forden) and Herman Weber, stepfather James Harshburger, brother Fredrick Weber (Gladys), and sister Gail Harshburger. She is survived by her sons James (Nance), Thomas (Beth), Robert (Tammy), and Steven (Mary) Leonard; daughter Barbara (Edward) Skala; grandchildren Amanda (Ben) Shanbaum, Thomas Leonard, William (Sarah) Leonard, Sara (Ross) Carmody, Frank Leonard, Kyle Leonard, Cody (Megan) Leonard, Trey Leonard, Ezekiel (Cara) Leonard, Elijah Leonard, Noah Leonard, Alexandria (Peter Whittle) Leonard, Nicholas Leonard, Jake Leonard (Isabella), Trevor Leonard, Eddie (Courtney) Skala, Joshua Skala, and David (Morgan) Skala; great-grandchildren Calla and Camille Shanbaum, Clayton Carmody, Presley Skala, Elliana and Madison Skala, and Olive Leonard; and brother Albert Weber (late Martha).


Lying in State, Friday, October 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 19515 115th Ave. Mokena, IL 60448. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Mokena, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Special Olympics. For more information 708-479-1210 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com