Leona M. “Lee” Harrington, 76, of Newark, DE passed away on December 10, 2017 after an extended
illness.
Lee was born in Warren, PA to Gail and Myra Mead. She was a 1959 graduate of Warren Area High
School, and lived in the Warren area for most of her early life. In 1978 she moved with her family to
Corona, CA, followed by relocations over the next 25 years to Anaheim Hills, CA; Scottsdale, AZ; and
Saint Marys, GA.
She is pre-deceased by her husband of 55 years John C. Harrington III, and her parents. She is survived
by a son John (Rebecca) Harrington of Newark, DE; a daughter Lynn Harrington-Kay of Placentia, CA; a
brother David (Karen) Mead of Fairview, PA; a sister Sue (David) Cobb of Greensburg, PA; six
grandchildren Thomas, Connor and Luke Harrington; Allison, Kurtis, and Jeffrey Kay; and several nieces
and nephews.
Lee worked at Warren National Bank (now PNC) after high school, where she first met her future
husband John. She was a homemaker during her children’s early years, and also volunteered for the
Warren Jayceettes, the Girl Scouts, and the March of Dimes preschool. It was her work with children
that led her to start and operate Kids First Pre-school. After moving to California, she was the office
manager for the family business, Inland Manufacturing in Riverside, CA.
She loved music and had a wonderful voice. She sang in the A Cappella Choir in high school, and was
vocalist for the George Johnson Orchestra at the Marconi Outing Club in Warren. In later years she sang
in various church choirs. Leona loved reading, and instilled a love of reading in her family. Her home was
always filled with books and magazines covering many subjects.
Leona’s greatest passion was her family and friends. She was a dedicated wife, mother, aunt, and
grandmother, and was very involved in their lives, always remembering birthdays, graduations, and
special achievements. She cherished hosting family for holidays and other occasions, preparing
wonderful meals, decorating her home, and setting the tone for a wonderful time. “Mama Lee” will be
deeply missed. She also leaves many friends across the communities where she lived, who will miss her
thoughtfulness and warm smile.
The family is greatly appreciative of the care and support provided by the staff at Rockland Place and
Vitas Hospice.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. 304 East Street, Warren, PA, on Saturday
December 16, 2017 from 12-1 PM. Services will be held at the funeral home immediately following at 1
PM, with Rev. William Beatty, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, officiating, where we will share
stories and celebrate Leona’s life. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph’s RC Cemetery. Family and
friends are invited to a luncheon at 2.30 PM at the Conewango Club, 201 Market Street, Warren PA.
Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Leona Harrington ALZ
Memorial Fund at:
act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/TributesAlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=451234
So sad to hear this. I was at the Mead’s house a lot when I was a kid. R.I.P Leona. Condolences to the family.
Hi Lynn,
It’s so nice of you to post memories of Leona. We appreciate it very much.
With best regards,
John Harrington
Sorry to hear of this and that we were not able to come for the service. We will be thinking of the family and remembering fondly the times we had in Stoneham, reunions, etc.
Jim and Joyce,
Thank you for your kind comments in remembering Lee. She cherished family, and also had fond memories of all the times spent with the Haggerty family.
Take care, John
“My Deepest Condolences go out to the Harrington family, I hope you find comfort in these words, “He will swallow up death forever,……And will wipe away the tears from all faces. Isaiah 25:8. We want to trust in Jehovah’ promise of the resurrection hope. jw.org