Rose Lillian “Buddy” Leahy, a resident of Milford, CT for the past 60 years, passed peacefully on July 25, 2013 after a brief illness, but a long and wonderful life.
Born at Bridgeport Hospital, the daughter of the late Anthony and Rose Fellows, Rose overcame the odds as a premature baby born at 2 lbs, 2 oz to live more than 92 active years.
She graduated from Stratford High School in 1939. Her high school yearbook quote, “Laughing and gay, she’s always that way” summed up her life throughout.
Buddy was a talented artist who taught ceramics in Milford from 1960 through this past week. First in her home, then at the “Buddy Leahy Ceramics Studio” in the center of town and for the past 27 years at the Milford Senior Citizen Center. To the end, she was defined by her warm smile, welcoming spirit, boundless energy and her love of family.
Rose was predeceased by Thomas, her loving husband and dance partner of 52 years, as well as her brothers Norman Fellows, Anthony Fellows, Raymond Fellows and her sister Katherine “Kay” Scippa .
She is survived by her son Daniel Leahy of Gloucester, MA, her son William Leahy of Killingworth and his wife Eileen, her son Patrick Leahy of Bethany and his wife Cathy, her daughter Maureen Moisson of Groton, MA and her husband James, her son James Leahy of Tolland, CT and his wife Mary Jo and her daughter Joan Black of Bethany, CT and her husband Andrew. She is also survived by her sisters Virginia Mackback of Stratford and Vera Havanec of Shelton and her brother William Fellows of Norfolk, CT. Her 15 grandchildren – Liam Leahy, Devin Carr, Kim Beaudet and her husband Mike, Erin Chester and her husband Jason, Ryan Leahy and his wife Kelly, Kerry Stewart and her husband Eben, Megan Leahy-Hoppa and her husband Jason, Lucas Moisson, Jeremy Moisson, Hannah Leahy, Tommy Leahy, Connor Black, Mackenzie Black, Cailey Black and Kevin Black – and 9 great-grandchildren – Olivia, Noah, Ethan, Leah, Logan, Eliza, Lillian, Tyler and Alyson – were the loves of her life and anyone who knows her, knows them all by name.
Friends may call on Sunday, July 28th from 3 pm – 9 pm at Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St, Milford, CT 06460. A Mass of Christian Burial (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH) will be held on Monday, July 29th at 10:30 am at St. James Church, 2070 Main St., Stratford, CT with a private interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Ahrens Program at the Milford Senior Citizen Center. Please mail your gift to Janice M. Jackson, Executive Director, Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive, Milford, CT 06460.
To leave online condolences please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.