MUCH sadness was felt following the death of Mrs. Rachel (Baby) Leonard on August 31, 2020.

Baby was born in London on February 16, 1926. Soon afterwards, her family moved to Tempo, where her mother took over the grocery shop on Main Street. The shop became known as Mrs Lane’s Shop.

She attended Carrowkeel School and later went to work in the shop, where she was fondly remembered as Baby Lane.

She met Kevin Leonard, and they married on November 22, 1951. They started their married life in Mullyknock and then moved to Largy in February, 1953, where they set up their family farm, where they welcomed four sons: Eugene, Declan, Osmond and Adrian.

They were devoted to each other throughout their marriage and their Catholic faith played a huge part in their family life.

They travelled to America to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. They greatly enjoyed their time there visiting Kevin’s sisters, Vera and Bernadette, and his brother, Cyril.

They were also fortunate enough to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends.

Baby had a great faith and belief in the power of prayer, which remained with her until the end. She made many pilgrimages to Lough Derg, as well as to Lourdes and Rome. She also travelled to Dublin to see Pope John Paul II.

She always attended the Novena of Hope in the Graan, usually accompanied by either Marie Timoney or Una Johnston, who both were great friends of hers for many years.

She made many visits to the Franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh, always bringing back blessed medals for all of her beloved children and grandchildren.

Following a long and happy marriage, Baby was predeceased by Kevin on November 20, 2002. She then lived for her children and grandchildren, and was always ready with good advice and a prayer for every problem.

She was a great conversationalist, and enjoyed attending family gatherings, weddings and the theatre. She celebrated her 90th birthday on February 16, 2016, surrounded by family and friends.

Baby passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2020, surrounded by her family. She will be sadly missed by her four sons, Eugene, Declan (Claire), Osmond (Gillian), Adrian (Annette); her 13 grandchildren, and her three great-grandchildren.

Baby’s funeral Mass was celebrated in St Joseph’s Church, Cradien, on September 2, 2020; the celebrant was Fr. John Halton, and the undertaker was John McKeegan, Enniskillen.