Leonidas (Leona) Gomez (1921–2022)

Leonidas (Leona), age 101, passed away September 26, 2022. Her name meaning "lion-like" was no coincidence, because she was one of the strongest women in her family. At the age of 100 and 101 she beat COVID twice. Leona could best be described as the rock of her family, who had a deep faith in God.

Born on January 20, 1921, in Santo Cerro, La Vega, Dominican Republic, her mother's name was Gregoria Angeles and her father was named Felix Delgado. She was preceded in death by all her siblings. Leona was married to Rafael Gomez (Puchulo) by the age of 21. He passed in 1981. Leona often boasted of staying loyal to her husband even after he passed. Together they bore 7 children. She was preceded in death by her two oldest sons, Ricardo and Wellington Gomez. She is survived by her 5 other children: Altagracia Gomez, Ana Zoraida Gomez, Zoila Gomez, Adalgisa Gomez, and Rolando Gomez. She is also survived by her 21 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Leona came to the United States in 1977. Leona spent her life as a homemaker. She loved her family and enjoyed telling them stories and singing songs to her loved ones. She loved her cup of coffee every morning as well as eating tostones. Whenever there was a birthday in the family, Leona would always call and sing a special song. Leona also loved spending her downtime watching her novelas. Her strength and resilient spirit will be deeply missed by her family and anyone who received the blessing of being in her presence.

The family gathered on Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Meléndez Funeral Home, LLC, 30 Grove Street, Middletown, NY 10940. Burial was on Monday at 11:00 AM at Hillside Cemetery in Middletown, NY.