Obituary of Leona E O'Grady

O’Grady, Leona – 90, of Bass River Township, passed away Friday, December 8th peacefully at her home. Leona was born in the Bronx and traveled extensively in her youth as an Army brat before moving to Long Beach Island in 1962. She worked for the Long Beach Island Board of Education for over 35 years, starting as a secretary and retiring as Secretary for the Board of Education. Leona is survived by her children, Jim Brown and his wife Diane of Warren Grove, and Eileen Brower and her husband Chris of Bass River Township. She was lovingly referred to as “Racki” by her grandchildren Lindsey Brower-Hagar and her husband Matt, Ben Brower and his partner Amanda Chan, and Kelsey Chansky, her husband Jeremy, and two great-grandchildren, her namesake Leona and Phoebe. Leona was known as Grammie to her grandchildren Melissa Wagner and Jimmy Brown, and four great-grandchildren, Olivia, Dustin, James, and Jade. Leona also leaves behind a sister, Patsy. She is predeceased by her parents, Col. George O’Grady and Helen O’Grady, and siblings George, Neil, Maureen Kupec, and John. Leona in her youth was a skilled equestrian and won several competitions in America and Europe. She loved animals and had many cats and dogs thru the years as her valued companions. Leona was a voracious reader, an avid gardener, and enjoyed puzzles in her retirement. A private service is being planned in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the ASPCA or the Atlantic City Mission. Leona’s family would like to thank all of the caregivers and home health aids that provided support and comfort to Leona in the last years of her life.