WARREN - Nellie S. Leon, 90, was ushered peacefully into heaven on Thursday, March 17, 2011, with her family at her side.

A lifelong resident of Warren, she was born June 12, 1920, the daughter of William Szepietowski and Nellie Scerba Szepietowski.

On Aug. 5, 1944, Nellie was united in marriage with William J. Leon Sr., and they shared 43 years together until his passing July 28, 1987.

Nellie grew up working on the family farm. She was employed during World War II, working at Ohio Lamp, and then retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a mail clerk.

Nellie was a charter member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

She was a strong promoter of workers' rights, taking various trips to Washington, D.C., and Columbus and in the area, walking many picket lines and strike lines. Nellie was also active in affordable health care for all.

Nellie was highly involved in her community. She was president of Local 1375 Retirees of Republic Steel, LTV and WCI Steel companies. She was a Trumbull County Democrat precinct committee person, a Board of Elections poll worker, a member of the letter carriers union Youngstown Chapter and a member of the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans.

She was secretary / treasurer of the St. Joseph Altar and Rosary Society, a charter member of the PLAV Ladies Group, president of the Warren G. Harding band boosters, a homeroom mother and a representative of Warren City Schools' PTO. She was a Red Cross volunteer, a St. Joseph Hospital Gray Lady and a pack mother for Cub Scout troops.

Nellie enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, shopping, watching, bowling and was an avid Cleveland Indians fan. She was a master gardener of flowers, enjoyed her time outdoors and loved flying the American flag.

Nellie's memories will be remembered and cherished by her family. She leaves behind a son, William J. Leon Jr. of Warren; two daughters, Patricia (Gary) Games of Warren and Kathleen (George) Fuller of Warren, with whom she made her home. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Emily, Victoria, Damien, Nick, Michael, Scott, John and Bethany; and two great-grandchildren, Gracie and Olivia. Nellie also leaves behind her precious little Yorkie, Angel Marie.

Nellie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Richard Leon; two grandchildren, Katherine and Douglas Leon; two brothers, Stanley and Joseph Szepietowski; and one sister, Blanche Trunick.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Subhash Khaterpaul and staff and also to MVI Home Healthcare.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tenn. 38148-0142.

You may visit sinchakandsons.com to submit online condolences. Arrangements were entrusted to Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home.