Linda K. Leary

With heavy hearts, the family of Linda K. Leary, 75, of Bonita Springs, Florida, announces her peaceful passing on July 24, 2025, at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice. Linda was born on April 3, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut, the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Clara (née Dietle) Kellerman. Raised in Hamden, CT, she was a proud graduate of North Haven High School, Class of 1968. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Connecticut State University. On June 30, 1972, Linda married the love of her life, Daniel L. Leary, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Hamden. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, faith, and community. Linda taught kindergarten before dedicating herself full-time to raising their two daughters. A devoted mother, she volunteered for many years at St. Lawrence Parish School in Shelton, CT, and at the Roncalli nursing home in Bridgeport, CT. Linda had a vibrant and joyful spirit. She was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, CT. After moving to Bonita Springs 11 years ago from Milford, CT, she continued her passion for golf as a member of the Colony Golf Club. Throughout her life she devoted herself to her dear friends both near and far. Most importantly in recent years she was a devoted caregiver to her husband Dan as he battled Alzheimer’s. Linda is lovingly survived by her daughters, Jennifer L. Duerr and her husband Kevin of Wake Forest, NC, and Katherine “Kate” Staffey of Youngsville, NC; her cherished grandchildren, Megan, Ellie, and Riley Duerr, and Kyle, Erin, and Nora Staffey. She also leaves behind her niece, Sharon Simon of Oxford, CT; her nephew, Wayne Burdette of Shelton, CT; and her cousin, Anita Schmitz of Milford, CT. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Daniel L. Leary, who passed away on August 16, 2024; and her sister, Ann Burdette, who died in November 24, 2009. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 28300 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice, 27100 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, or to The Lee Health Foundation in support of Golisano Children’s Hospital, 9800 South HealthPark Dr., Suite 405, Fort Myers, FL 33908, or online at www.leehealthfoundation.org/donate, a cause dear to Linda’s heart. To sign her guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home – Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Linda K. Leary

April 3, 1950 - July 24, 2025