SCHENEVUS - "I can't wait to meet Jesus!" These are the words she often spoke that now give us comfort as we announce the death of Patricia D. (Seward) Leon, 79, on April 10, 2021.

Patty was a devoted Christian who spent most mornings singing those church hymns that would cause her to close her eyes and smile, her lovely alto voice on key, remembering every word learned so many years ago.

Born on Aug. 10, 1941, at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, Patty would soon learn to play the piano and French horn, and it was music that would remain with her all her life after her memory failed to remember what may have happened yesterday.

Her love of trees, birds and the glorious mountains that were her view from her Schenevus home would often stir up memories of the childhood spent at her parents' home in Colliersville, the days at their camp on Crumbhorn Mountain, and how she and her two sisters would play at her father's quarry, which was and is to this day, Seward Sand & Gravel.

Soon she would leave childhood behind, become a college graduate, earn a Black Belt in karate, and bear two children, Julianna and Noah.

Living in New York City brought many career choices, including working at American Book Company, Litton Industries, YWCA, Donahue Sales, Harper & Row, Community Gospel Church, Marble Collegiate Church, and the Department of Motor Vehicles in the financial district in Manhattan, where she would find herself and thousands of others running for their lives on 9/11.

On July 14, 1979, Patty married John Leon Jr., and they lived in an apartment in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Soon they would close on a weekend home in Schenevus. Patty moved permanently to the area in the summer of 2008, with John continuing to work in the city, coming home on weekends, until finally retirement brought them the peace and tranquility that had been sought after so many years of the ups and downs of life.

Patty was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Schenevus, as well as the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. She would compile an extraordinary library of bibles and stuffed animals, all of which brought her the pleasure of knowing that if anyone was in need, she could and would provide. Patty was not perfect, but she ultimately owned up to mistakes made in this life and handed herself over to Jesus. And in Him she found the forgiveness, love and salvation she had been searching for all her life. And now she is at peace.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 41 years, John Leon Jr. of Schenevus and her sister, Rebecca Seward of Vernon.

She was predeceased by her parents, Clifford (Skip) and Rachel (Patrick) Seward; sister, Marita Boullata and infant brother, Peter. Also surviving are Patty's children, Julianna and Noah Harris; and niece and nephews, Joseph, Peter, David and Barbara Boullata. She is mourned by several special caregivers, friends and neighbors who will always remember her smile and her friendship.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 15, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 5 Arch St in Schenevus. Visitation will begin at noon, with a funeral service beginning at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Nancy Trucott officiating. Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery in Oneonta.

Donations may be made to Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, P.O. Box 354, Schenevus, NY 12155.

Arrangements are with Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St. Worcester

Condolences may be made at www.hellerskinnerfh.com.