Constance "Connie" Leedom

Constance (Connie) Mae Leedom, 80, of Mantua peacefully returned to her heavenly home on Monday, October 30, 2023.  A long-time resident of Mantua, Connie was born on October 7, 1943, to Bernice (Smeltzer) Kraft and Werner B. Kraft in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.  She was raised by her mother Bernice, and stepfather, Harry C. Sweet in Garrettsville, Ohio.

Connie attended James A. Garfield School and graduated with the class of 1961.  She happily followed her husband to his United States Marine Corps home base; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  They then returned home to their supporting family to raise their children. Following in her mother’s footsteps, steps that produced a lineage of strong, independent woman, she was the first woman elected Mantua Township trustee, serving 2 consecutive terms (1997-2005).  She truly enjoyed serving others and helping the community, and happily retired after 28 years serving as the Portage County Health Departments Executive Secretary and Director of Administration.  After retirement, she volunteered at Robinson Memorial Hospital. Connie was a devoted member of the Friendship Alliance Church in Auburn Township. 

Connie most enjoyed all aspects of family, and cherished family gatherings with her parents, children, grandchildren, brothers, aunts, and cousins.   She was forever thankful to each and every one of her close friends, neighbors, and church family.  Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she spent her life making it incredibly magical for her family.  Connie absolutely loved a beautifully decorated home and well-kept yard. She admired flowers and had a special talent for making unique and beautiful arrangements.  She loved the colors of fall leaves, beautiful jewelry, shopping with family, and her many treasured dogs, especially her darling Tanner.  Having the faithful adoration, and most loyal devotion of her best friend, husband and true love, Tom, was one of her most treasured gifts.

Connie is survived by her brother, Stanley Kraft; daughter, Tina (Dennis) Ulrich, and son, Matthew Leedom; grandchildren, Tanya (Kevin) Pantalone, Tabitha Converse, Dexter (Jenna) Dorris, Dustin Dorris, and Greg (Kristen) Kelley, as well as her much loved great-grandchildren; Carmine, Carly and Cara Pantalone, Kayden and Addison Converse, Paisley and Logan Dorris, and Kylie and Karie Kelley.

Connie was predeceased by her parents, beloved husband of 58 years, Thomas L. Leedom Jr., and her brother, William Sweet.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. Memorial calling hours will be Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10AM. Memorial services will begin at 11AM. Burial will immediately follow at Park Cemetery in Garrettsville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department; 10303 State Route 44, Mantua, OH 44225, or the Friendship Alliance Church; P.O. Box 23037, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.  Her family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their continued prayers, love, and support.      

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