PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Leah Lorraine (Cormier) McCleary, 103, passed away on Monday, May 21, after a short stay at Portsmouth Regional Hospital following a sudden illness.

Leah, one of nine siblings, was born April 26, 1912, in New Brunswick Canada, and moved with her parents to Rumford when she was 5 years old. There she eventually met and married her late husband, Henry A. McCleary and had two sons, Richard and Henry.

In 2005, Leah moved from Rumford to Portsmouth, N.H., to be closer to her sons and their families. As in she had always done in Rumford, Leah continued to assert her independent spirit while living in Portsmouth in her own apartment. With her generosity of spirit, Leah continued to be a light and an anchor to her family and friends until the time of her passing, which she also greeted with dignity and joy.

Having fully lived and experienced firsthand the many awesome as well as a few saddening events of the last century, Leah has left her own legacy through devoted family.

Leah leaves behind her son, Richard J. McCleary and his wife, Vera; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Henry A. McCleary, but has continued her close and loving relationship with Henry’s wife, Cecile; and eight siblings.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the McCleary family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.

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