Barbara Angela (Conneely) Leedom

Barbara Angela Conneely Leedom was born in County Galway Ireland on November 4 th , 1941. In the winter of 1942 during WW II, Barbara, at the age of one, immigrated to the USA with her parents John Joseph Conneely and Catherine Mary Costello on an Irish, immigrant, passenger ship which was escorted by an American Warship to protect the Irish immigrants from German submarines. After a six month “Cup of Tea” in Boston, Barbara and parents packed their meager belongings into one suitcase and took
a train across country to San Francisco CA where they finally settled down. Barbara worked hard from a very early age and the first and probably most difficult job she ever encountered was babysitting and helping her parents raise her four naughty, little brothers. Barbara was educated at St. Anne’s grammar school, Mercy High School and the University of San Francisco Nursing School and everywhere she went she easily made genuine and lasting friends. Barbara had a passion for life and was known for her resiliency, generosity and her three favorite words “I Love You.” Barbara eventually settled in Sonoma, where she raised a family of four strong, affectionate children: Sammy, Lisa, Moira and Joey. Barbara married Mike Leedom in 1991 and they worked together as drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselors for over 25 years at Serenity Knolls Treatment Center. They also enjoyed raising their two dogs, Teddy and Angel. Barbara continued her work with Alcoholics Anonymous until last Sunday October 22, 2017 when she suddenly passed away in her Sonoma home. Barbara is predeceased by her parents John and Catherine Conneely; her loving son Sammy Sebastiani, her devoted husband Mike Leedom and her younger brother Jack Conneely. Barbara is survived by her daughters Moira Kelly, Lisa Mertens (husband Mike Mertens), her youngest son Joey Sebastiani: her grandchildren Dustin and Amanda Mertens, Joshua Kelly, Ryan, Annemarie and Sammy Sebastiani, her younger brothers Charlie Conneely, Dudley Conneely and wife Mary, Tommy Conneely and wife Bernie. Also surviving Barbara are many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. At Barbara’s request, her cremated remains will be joined together with Mike’s ashes along the beautiful Hawaiian Islands coastline, their favorite place in this world. The family thanks all our friends for your kindness and condolences during this time of sadness and invites all to Celebrate Barbara’s life at a Rosary 4:00 pm Monday, October 30th at Duggan's Mission Chapel 525 W Napa St, Sonoma, CA and to the Memorial mass: 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 31st at St. Francis Catholic Church 469 3rd St W, Sonoma.

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