Leona R. (Bleau) Meleski, 87, of Keene and a long-time resident of Ashuelot died on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland. She passed peacefully while sleeping after a period of declining health.
Leona was born the daughter of the late Eva (Dubois) and Romeo Bleau on August 28, 1931 in Keene. She was educated in Keene where she attended St. Joseph’s School.
On June 28, 1958, she exchanged vows with Anthony F. Meleski at St. Bernard’s Church in Keene, with family and friends in attendance. Sadly, Anthony passed on March 20, 2014 after almost 56 years of marriage.
Leona was a stay-at-home mother until her children were older. Leona worked at Hedstrom Furniture as a production worker for years until she retired. Prior, she was employed at the Box Co. in Winchester and Princess Shoe in Keene.
She enjoyed bingo and music. Leona was a wonderful cook and she liked to sing, and was also known for her yodeling. Mrs. Meleski is survived by her daughter, Janice Sargent of Keene, a son David Meleski of Keene and a grandson, Andrew Laperriere of Cambridge, MD; Her siblings; Claudette Fish of Keene, Evelyn Warner of Keene, Janet Sausville and her husband James of Queensbury, NY and Pauline Germain of Burnet, TX. In addition, she leaves nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Leona is pre-deceased by her son, Francis A. Meleski who passed on May, 14, 2013; her brothers Romeo Bleau, Robert Bleau, Norman Bleau and Francis Bleau and sisters Juliet Hope, Gabrielle McGrath and Shirley Stone.
In keeping with Leona’s request, there are no calling hours. A graveside service will occur in the family lot at on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 11am. at Evergreen Cemetery, Forest Lake Rd. Winchester. Donations can be made in memory of Leona R. Meleski to: Monadnock Developmental Services: 103 Roxbury St. Keene, NH. 03431 or to: Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities, 91 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446.www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
