Cover photo for Leona T. Gordon's Obituary
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Leona T. Gordon

June 3, 1929 — July 12, 2021

Leona T. Gordon

Leona Augustina Twerdy, 92, born June 3, 1929 to Augustina (Terlecki) and Benedict Twerdy of Coventry, Ct., passed away peacefully and pain-free July 12, 2021. She was in the caring and loving presence of daughters and son-in-law, Toni Elka and Steve Morell of Waltham, MA and Pamela Wilson (Shatzman), of Canterbury, Ct. Granddaughters Rebecca Rushford, Washington, DC and Sophie Shatzman, Keene, NH were also present at her bedside to bid a sorrowful farewell to their "Grammy".

In addition to those in attendance, Leona is survived by her brother, John Twerdy and his wife Claire of Coventry, CT., daughter Jennifer Shatzman-Lord and William Lord of Clarksville, TN and son, David Shatzman of Winston-Salem, NC, grandchildren Eli Wilson and Jaquel Rey, and step-grandchildren, Caysie Lord of VT, and Christopher Lord of TN and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Leona's death, was husband Marshall Gordon, daughter Shari (Jo) Shatzman, four sisters and nine brothers.

Leona surrounded herself with things of natural beauty, evidenced by decades of prolific gardening, sharing that love with her children and anyone that took an interest in her "secret" techniques. Her hands were never still, and she created a lifetime of expressful art in every genre; painting in all mediums, jewelry and stone work, pottery, stained art and so much more. Her curiosity led her to travel through France, Russia, and Portugal, along with millions of highway and backroad miles in this, her home. Family and friends were often graced by a visit while "... I was just passing through…"

With a generous and passionate spirit, Leona welcomed many people through her old, green, screen door at her farm in Westmoreland, NH. For well over 30 years, tears were shed, laughter shared, and bellies filled. Soup was served on a moment's notice, and no one ever left empty-handed.

She carried a warrior-like spirit to champion women's and civil rights, and felt right at home to enter any debate, and there were many. She was featured in a documentary about the death of her sister, Leona's Sister Gerri, which empowered many women around the country to speak their truth. She cared deeply about social justice, supporting 100 Nights, a homeless shelter, in Keene, NH and volunteering at the Community Kitchen. She leaves behind behind many good friends from those days and donations in her memory will be most appreciated at 100 Nights.

Services will be private
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