In Loving Memory
Jeanette L. Leary
August 25, 2021

On August 25, 2021, Geanetta Concetta Lilian Detor Leary of Mexico NY, passed away peacefully at her home. Her two loving daughters were by her side. She was 86 years young.

A lifelong resident of Mexico NY, she was known and loved by many. She made her mark with her involvement in her community. She was an avid knitter and a member of the local knitting club. She could often be found creating everything from mittens, hats, vests and other items that were treasured by her children. With her career in food service at the local high school she kept in touch with the youth of the village and it’s social heartbeat. She had a positive attitude and an unending corny sense of humor.

A devoted wife and mother of four, she was a dedicated 4-H leader for many years for her daughters and their friends, sharing her love of sewing, baking and other life lessons.

Jeanette was one of three children with Italian immigrant parents. Early on, Jeanette helped out in the family restaurant, enjoyed baking (made a mean coffee cake) and was a contestant in a beauty pageant.
With firm roots in Mexico NY, she married, worked and raised her children there, where she remained a resident until she passed.

As a fearless and confident woman, she drove a powder blue AMC Pacer stick shift. When she wasn’t “ramming” around in her car, you could catch her riding her bike or walking to her destination in the village. She loved having a cat, burying her beloved favorite, “Blackie”, in the backyard while in her 70’s…it must have been a sight to see. She loved him dearly.

A spiritual woman, her church community was a big part of her life, and after she attended service, a breakfast with friends or a ride in the country usually followed.
Later in life she enjoyed her travels to Greece, Panama,Turkey and elsewhere where the sights, sounds and food were always enjoyed. She was always up for an exciting travel destination.

In passing she will join her husband, John Leary, her brother Donald Detor of Mexico NY, and sister Diana Allen of Toms River NJ.

She lovingly leaves behind her children, Susan, Karin, Erin (James Galvin, spouse) and Brian (Kelly Brown, spouse) who will hold in memory the devoted mother, wife and friend
Jeanette always was.

She will be a watchful angel that presides over her five grandchildren Megan Sky, Madeline, Jake, James and Hunter.

She will be greatly missed and long remembered by many that loved her and will live on in our hearts with beautiful memories. We will miss her loving way and beautiful presence that enriched all of our lives.

To the devoted Caregivers who helped Jeanette, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude for their attentive and caring ways.

CALLING HOURS are Monday, August 30, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Avenue, Mexico NY.

A FUNERAL MASS will be held at 11am Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at St Anne’s Church, 3352 Main Street, Mexico NY. With burial following at Mexico Primitive Cemetery, Tubbs Road, Mexico NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Jeanette to St Anne’s Church. 3352 Main Street, Mexico NY. 13114.

To leave a special memory or condolences for Jeanette's family, please click the Condolences & Tributes button above.

To send flowers to the family of Jeanette L. Leary, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.