Nellie R. (Runkle) Leaman

NELLIE R  LEAMAN

On October 24, 2019 at the age of 101, Nellie Mae Leaman (nee Runkle) passed away at Oak Crest Retirement Community where she was a long time resident

Nellie was born on 8/2/1918 in Pottsville, Pa to Charles & Rae Runkle.  She attended Pottsville High School where she participated in chorus and graduated in 1937.  She worked to support her family until 1942 when she moved to Baltimore and married John (Jack) Leaman. They lived in Middle River where they raised their son, Bruce and twins, Carolyn and David.  She worked as a payroll clerk until the children were grown and then moved with her husband to New Bern NC. where Nellie was an avid gardener, joined social groups, played the piano, took up water color and enjoyed “life in the South”. 

Sadly, their time in New Bern was short lived.  In 1976 Jack passed away and Nellie returned to the Baltimore area to be closer to family. Gardening, crocheting, baby and pet sitting as well as painting treasured greeting cards for those dearest to her occupied much of her time. The last 20 years were spent as a resident of Oak Crest Retirement Community where walking around the campus, playing cards, and completing puzzles were simple pleasures she enjoyed but she was happiest when with family.  And, it was with family and the fortunate few that she shared her remarkable life stories.  Nellie’s memory was amazing, her stories mesmerizing.  She took the past and weaved it into the present.  Relatives of years past became real, places you never saw could be imagined.  She’d take you on a Nellie journey and then smile...a smile that will always be treasured! 

She is survived by her children: Bruce Leaman (Eileen), Carolyn McNabney (Jack) and David Leaman (Barbara); her grandchildren: Keith Leaman (Cathy), Kirsten McNabney, Michelle Dunkin (Jordan), Thomas Leaman (Jennifer); and, great grandchildren: Zachary Leaman , Benjamin Leaman (Samantha Gray),  Hannah Leaman (Zachary Worthy), Scotlyn Leaman, Isabella Dunkin, Noelle Leaman and a number of nieces and nephews and their children. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack; Brothers, David Warren, Dick, Frank, sister Grace Evelyn: and, great great granddaughter Annabella

A “Celebration of Nellie’s Life” will be held on November 8th from 1:00 to 4:00 in the Garden Room at Oak Crest Village, 8832 Walther Blvd, Parkville Md. Interment will be at 12:00 on Saturday, November 9 at the Charles Baber Cemetery in Pottsville, Pa.

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