Obituary of Leona M McGourty

Leona McGourty passed away peacefully at her home in Cokesbury, N.J. on Saturday, August 12. She was born on May 4, 1926 in Pawtucket, R.I., to Leo Levesque and Dora Boucher.  Leona was married to John F. McGourty for 61 years, prior to his passing in 2009.  She graduated from Clinton High School and lived in Hunterdon County for most of her life.  Leona was a devoted homemaker, and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of her world. 

Leona was a devout member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she attended daily mass and was active in New Jersey Right to Life. Leona maintained close relationships with her friends from church. She also was an avid supporter of North Hunterdon High School athletics and served on the Hunterdon County Welfare Board.  Leona was also employed by the Clinton Township School District.  Her unwavering love for her family was evidenced throughout her life, still attending her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s Communions, Confirmations, sporting events, piano recitals and countless other activities as recently as this summer.

Leona is survived by nine children, 27 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. Surviving are John, Jr., of Clinton Township; Eileen Herrell and her husband, William, of Patterson, N.Y.; Theresa Uvino and her husband, Joseph, of Califon; Edward, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Marian Gilpatrick and her husband, Bruce, of Stamford, Ct; Leon and his wife, Patricia, of Pittstown; Vincent and his wife, Kassy, of Bethlehem Township; Josette Grimaldi and her husband, Keith, of Stamford, Ct.; Thomas and his wife, Tara, of Bethlehem Township; and her sister, Doris Em, of Pittstown, N.J.  She also had a daughter, Christine, who was deceased at a young age. Her beloved daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Engisch) McGourty, passed away late last year.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, August 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, N.J., with the Rite of Christian Burial taking place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, at Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale, N.J.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Immaculate Conception Church.