Leona Clemente

Leona D. Clemente, 82, of 17 Granite Street, Worcester, MA, passed away Wednesday, March 5 in her home surrounded by family and loved ones. A native and life-long resident of Worcester, she was the daughter of Nazaire and Flora (Tremblay) Sawyer. She attended Holy Family Catholic School and graduated from Commerce High School in 1943. A coloratura soprano, Leona presented recitals and concerts in her younger years. She also sang leading roles in productions of the Worcester County Light Opera, and was a member of the Worcester Music Festival Chorus. Throughout her life she also remained an active church soloist and choir singer in Central MA. She held positions as organist/cantor at the Worcester State Hospital Chapel, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Mercy, and Saint Margaret Mary Churches in Worcester. Most recently, she was a soloist and section leader at the United Congregational Church. She also presented musical programs for various civic and charitable organizations accompanied by her husband Peter and family. Leona was a tax preparer for several years at H.R.Block, before becoming a bookkeeper for twenty-eight years at the law firm of Mirick-O'Connell in Worcester. Her dedicated and valued service was formally acknowledged when she retired at age 81. She was a member of Notre Dame-St. Joseph Church in Worcester. As long as she was able, she was a faithful daily communicant at mass. She was a lover of music and learning. She touched many lives with her smile and warmth of spirit in the work place as well as in her large, extended family. Her positive outlook on life and giving nature remain a permanent influence on her family and friends. She delighted in her family, preparing and hosting, with her husband, countless dinners in her home for those she loved. She is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-seven years, Peter Clemente; a daughter, Lucia, and son-in-law Richard Falco; a son, Peter Clemente and daughter-in-law Laurice Clemente; three cherished grandchildren, Mattina C. Falco and Cassandra and Michael Clemente, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Harry Sawyer and Wilfrid Sawyer, and four sisters, Cecilia Bouley, Lauretta Berube, Beatrice Mondor, and Gladys St. Germain. The funeral will be held Monday, March 10, with a Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 35 Hamilton Street, Worcester. Calling hours at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester are 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9.