Rae Jean Werntz Leonard, 66, of South Amboy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and friends on Monday, March 31, 2008, at the Barbara E. Cheung Memorial Hospice in Edison after a one-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Rae Jean was predeceased by her husband, Frank "Tank" Leonard in 2004, and a son, Mark Heitzman in 1979.

Rae Jean worked at E.I. DuPont, Parlin, until her retirement in 1992 when she joined Tank to enjoy life, family and friends, as well as travel.

She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Luke A. Lovely Post 62, serving as secretary and vice president.

Rae Jean was an avid reader, gardener and doll collector, and loved cats, as well as the beach and ocean. Her family and friends will remember her most for her smile, generosity, outgoing personality and strong will.

Surviving are stepsons, Shawn Leonard and his wife, Laura and their son, Luke of Branchburg, Patrick Leonard and his wife, Kendra and their son, Samuel of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Dennis Leonard and his wife, Debbie, their daughter, Christiane and their three sons, Justin, Ryan and Dennis Joseph of Matawan; stepdaughters, Dawn Micena and her husband, Dean and stepdaughters, Nicole and Brianna of Apex, N.C., and Michele Leonard of Jamesburg; and her dear friend, Eileen "Sis" Martens, who spent much time caring for her over the last year.

Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff for their support and care at the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey and the Barbara E. Cheung Memorial Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at Buddies Tavern, 277 Johnson's Lane, Parlin at noon on Saturday, April 5.

Private cremation was held under the direction of The Gundrum Service "Home For Funerals," 237 Bordentown Ave., South Amboy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rae Jean's memory to the ALS Association, Development Dept., 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301, or Visiting Nurse Assn. of Central Jersey, 176 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701.