Leona M. Massara

Leona Marie Massara
January 19, 1933 – August 11, 2026

Heaven gained a beautiful soul when Leona Massara passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, at the age of 93. While she will be dearly missed, there is comfort and joy in knowing that she was reunited with the love of her life and husband of more than 70 years, Ed, who predeceased her. When asked how and when they first met, neither could pinpoint a time. Their timeless love was echoed in the words of one of their favorite songs – “The Twelfth of Never”.

Leona was also predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Leona (Weniger) Lascoskie; her sister,
Maryanne (Lascoskie) Kass; and her great-granddaughter, Lennon Marie Galloway who she adored.

She is survived by her devoted children, Linda (Brett Cameron) Galloway, Michelle (David)
Ulrich, and Edward (Jill) Massara.  Sister of Kathy (Lascoskie) Schwartz. She was a proud grandmom to Michael (Sandy) Galloway, Danielle (Daniel) O’Driscoll, Brandon (Jesa) Galloway, Brianna (Steve) Harrell, Christopher (Elise) Galloway, Ted (Jessica) Massara, Jessica (Thomas) Lepp, and James (Lily) Massara. She was a cherished great-grandmom to Michael, Patrick, Brynn, Shannon, Julian, AJ, Mariella, Daniel, Van, Finn, Kai, Dawson, Lia, Julia, Griffin, and Dominic.

Leona was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia. She was born and raised in Oxford Circle, where she and Ed met and formed many lifelong friendships. She spent much of her adult life in Wissinoming and her later years in Rhawnhurst. She was a proud graduate of St. Martin of Tours Grade School and Frankford High School. She treasured her high school friendships and
attended many reunions over the years, including her 60th reunion.

Although Leona spent some time working outside the home, her greatest joy was being with her family. She devoted herself to raising three children and often said that she was just as sad as they were when summer vacation ended because she loved having her children home with her. She was incredibly proud of her family and thoroughly enjoyed being a Grandmom of eight and a Great-Grandmom of seventeen. She attended games, dance recitals, graduations, and countless other milestones, remaining closely connected to their lives for as long as she was able. She remained eager and able to babysit well into her eighties, always happy to spend time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored.

Leona was a wonderful cook, preparing everything from roast beef and gravy to homemade ravioli and countless dishes in between. Her meatballs were legendary—imitated by family members, but never quite duplicated. On any given afternoon, you could walk into the Massara home to the mouthwatering smells coming from the kitchen with the anticipation of, “What’s for dinner?” Leona and Ed opened their home on Afton Street to family and friends for countless picnics, parties, family get-togethers, and simple afternoons by the pool. They were happiest when surrounded by the people they loved. There were no strangers, only friends they hadn’t
met.

Leona’s kindness extended to four-legged friends, especially the feline variety. She welcomed them as pets and also cared for outdoor cats, some of whom eventually made their way inside. Others had kittens who were taken in or adopted by family members. That part of her legacy continues today with Bella, Fez, and Yugio.

In their final years, Leona and Ed were supported by family members and, later, dedicated aides. They spent their final months at Wyncote Place, where they received excellent care from the staff and enjoyed the companionship and support of fellow residents.

Leona leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, friendship, and countless memories that
will be treasured by all who knew her.

A combined memorial and funeral mass will be held for Leona and Ed.

Services are pending and will update soon.