The funeral service was held on Friday, Nov. 12, at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with the Rev. Dr. Robert Zanicky officiating.
Born March 29, 1921, in Asbury Park, N.J., Mrs. Leland was raised in Floral Park, Long Island, N.Y. She was the daughter of the late John and Grace Isola Pepe. She was known as “BaBa” to family, friends and neighbors.
Mrs. Leland moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to accept a position as a millinery buyer. She met her husband, Francis, who had just returned from World War II, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and began raising her family there. Later she moved to New York, Maryland, North Carolina and New Jersey, before returning to Pennsylvania to take part in raising her grandsons. She and her family resided in Southern Pines from 1962 to 1970.
Mrs. Leland was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Francis Leland; daughter, Minky Leland; brothers, John Pepe, Anthony Pepe and Joseph Pepe, and sister, Theresa DeNicola.
Surviving are her daughter, Nancy Frey of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; son, James Leland of Ventress, La.; sister, Irene Alexander of East Meadow, La.; four grandchildren, William Frey, Ethan Frey, Mikki Leland and Marqui Leland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Martin Luther King Fuel Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 97 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701.
