Last Updated on August 10, 2024 by Editor
ABOVE: Mary Rose and Tony Leone with their children and their spouses. From left: Dan and Marisa Ellis, Tony and Mary Rose, Nick and Melissa, Angelina and Vinnie. For the Leones, family is paramount.
Mary Rose Leone always is on the go. She helps take care of her grandchildren, enjoys the outdoors, exercises daily and volunteers in our parish, to name a few. She loves it all.
You are a lover of the great outdoors. You love biking, kayaking, walking and swimming, and now you’re learning pickle ball. When and how did you first learn that outside your house interested you?
I would have to say, as a young girl, I was always outside hanging out with friends, riding bikes, swimming at the North Utica pool. We would walk everywhere no matter what the weather was. That was a time when you could do that and not worry.
Working out is another passion. What is a good workout for you and why do you do it?
For me, working out is different each day. Usually, I will work out for an hour a day consisting of either weight training, cardio and stretching (or yoga). I do this to stay fit, build muscle and bone density, and to have the energy to keep up with my grandchildren.
On your list of favorite things to do are going to shows and concerts, listening to music, reading, gardening, attending your grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, as well as babysit them when needed. Where do you find the time?
I have a schedule as to the days I’m with the kids. I color code their names as to games and events on a calendar to keep track of it all. Everything else that I like to do falls into place here and there. With seven grandkids, my life is busy, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
You also love to travel. Disney World, Italy, the beach and your camp at Old Forge are at the top of your list. Tell us a little bit about what makes those destinations so special.
Disney World, no matter how old you are, it’s just a magical place. We’ve been going there since my kids were little and now we get to experience it with the grandkids and see their excitement. Italy is just full of beauty, history, great food and wine. Since my grandfather came from Calabria, it’s nice to visit a place where you feel you have a connection to. The beach is where I truly relax. I love everything about it. The waves, the sand and the ocean air are just so calming to me. As for our camp in Old Forge, that is family time. The camp was built by my father-in-law, Tony, and was his favorite place to be. It holds many wonderful memories and each summer we get to make new ones.
Do you make it a point to take a vacation each year, and how important is it to kick back and relax?
Yes, we do a family vacation once a year and usually will try to take a few long weekends during the year. It’s important to get out of your daily routine, experience new things and see all the beauty this world has to offer.
Once or twice a year, you do a themed sleepover with your grandchildren. What does that sleepover entail?
Well, I decorate the living room and kitchen using props and decorations geared to the theme, which usually takes a couple of days. All snacks and activities coincide with that theme. They all bring their sleeping bags and I’ll do a movie to wind them down (ha-ha) again to whatever the theme is. Some of the themes that I have done are: “Glow Glow Go” (which included night swimming with the pool lit up with glow sticks), “Under the Sea,” “Jungle Safari” and “Outer Space,” to name a few.
In our parish, you volunteer as a lector, help schedule the lectors and ministers with Re Chiffy, you’re a money counter and run the cafe at the festival with Debbie Hayes. Why do you do all that?
I have many blessings to thank the Lord for, so the best way to honor him for me is to give back to the parish. And plus, I can’t say NO to Re!
For those on the fence or thinking about helping, what advice would you give to them?
I would say to give it a try. Everyone here is so helpful and kind. We always need people to get involved, especially the younger generation, so that our beautiful traditions can keep on going.
What does Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament mean to you?
I love being a part of this parish family. The Masses, liturgies (especially Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil), and the music are beyond no other. The people are warm and welcoming, and Father Cesta is one of the best homilists I’ve ever heard. I feel at peace when I sit in this church and look at all the beauty that surrounds me. It’s just heavenly!
Mary Rose Leone
- Age: 69.
- Family: Husband, Tony; children and their spouses, Nicholas and Melissa, Vincent and Angelina, Marisa and Daniel; grandchildren Josephina, Evalena, Vincenza, Deacon, Santino, Liliana, Gioia.
- Education: 1972 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School.
- Previous employment: Kindergarten teaching assistant at Marcy Elementary School.
- Favorite vacation spots: Disney World, Italy, Old Forge and the beach.
- Favorite foods: Pasta and seafood.
- Favorite movie: “The Lion King.”
- Favorite TV show: “Outlander.”
- Favorite book: “Outlander” book series by Diana Gablaldon.