Anna Margaret Leone, 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, at her home in Scotch Plains, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 29, 1928, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Anna was raised in a close-knit family and lived in Plainfield until 1960, when she moved to Scotch Plains, where she remained a cherished resident for the past sixty-five years.

Anna graduated from Scotch Plains High School, and it was during those early years that she met the love of her life, Anthony Joseph Leone. They became high school sweethearts, fell deeply in love, and built a marriage rooted in dedication, family and faith. In the early years of their marriage, Anthony proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. While he was away, Anna remained steadfast, and when he returned home, they began building the family that would become the center of her world.

Family was always Anna’s greatest joy. It wasn’t until her children were all in grade school that she returned to the workforce. She spent 25 years with Allstate Insurance Company as an underwriter, where she was admired for her work ethic, kindness and sharp mind. After retiring from Allstate, her strong spirit and love for being around people brought her back into the community as a cafeteria aide at Scotch Plains High School, a role she enjoyed well into her later years.

Faith played an important role throughout Anna’s life. She was raised in the St. Bernard’s parish in Plainfield and later became a devoted parishioner of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church in Scotch Plains. Most recently, she was a member of St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung, where she continued to find comfort, community and purpose.

Anna was a woman with a big heart and a strong will. She loved the Jersey Shore and treasured family summers spent at her home in Lavallette, purchased in 1986. Days at the beach became the backdrop of countless memories, filled with laughter, sun and togetherness. She enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, the thrill of the slots and the simple joy of bingo with friends. But above all, holidays were her favorite, especially Christmas. Anna loved everything about the season, the decorating, the traditions, the meals and most especially the giving. Even as her children became adults, she always made sure that each one had gifts under the tree. Thoughtfulness was her love language, and giving brought her immense happiness.

Anna was predeceased by her beloved husband, Anthony Joseph Leone Jr. in 2001. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Florence Petro in 2005 and Guy Buonpane in 2015.

She is survived by her loving children: Debra Miccio and her husband John, Judy Wood and her husband David and Anthony Joseph Leone III and his wife Jackie. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Anthony Joseph Leone IV, John Miccio and his wife Briane, Christina Lynch and her husband William, Robert Delia and his wife Renee, Anthony Delia, Joseph Delia and his wife Kelsey, Eileen Procaccino and her husband Jeff and Tom Wood. She is additionally survived bythe Marker children, as well as fourteen great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her legacy is one of devotion, strength and unconditional love. To know Anna was to know warmth, loyalty and a heart that gave generously and without hesitation. Her family will carry her spirit forward in every holiday gathering, every shared tradition and every moment of togetherness that she cherished so deeply.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church, 2032 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Cemetery in Watchung, New Jersey.

Memorial donations may be made the the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.