With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kathleen Marie Matarozzo Leaman (our beloved Nana) 80, of Ocoee, who passed away at her home on November 10, 2024 after a short illness. She was a remarkable women-loving, strong, and full of boundless energy. A fierce fighter until the very end, Nana had a generous spirit and a heart that overflowed with love for her family, friends, and even strangers. She would do anything in the world for anyone, always willing to lend a hand, offer a kind word, or welcome people into her home.
Nana had a zest for life that was contagious. She found joy on the open seas, spending many cherished moments on cruises that took her to beautiful places. She had a competitive streak, too; nothing made her smile more than a good card game, especially when she could take a little extra pocket change from friends and family.
A true life of the party, Nana made every gathering brighter with laughter an warmth. Her door was always open, her table always full and her heart always wide enough for anyone who needed a place to belong. Her kindness, humor, and warmth touched so many lives, and her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone she knew.
Nana will be missed dearly, but her legacy of love , strength, and laughter will remain with us forever.
She was born on October 16, 1944 to Michael and Celestine Colurusso Matarozzo in East Derry, NH, where she grew up on the old Daniel Webster Homestead.
While at Pinkerton Academy, Kathy loved playing sports. She had letters in basketball and cheer. But her greatest love was figure skating. Her childhood dream was to be a professional figure skater.
After graduating from Pinkerton Academy, and then Cosmetics school, Kathy started her own hair dressing business in Londonderry, of which she was very proud.
Within a few years she moved to Florida to work and to raise her son and daughter. It was there, while working for Jeff Nelson, she met her future husband, Jon. At the time she was also working for the Orange County Schools as director of the after school program at Windermere Elementary. She loved to take care of the kids.
After her marriage on February 20, 1993, she dedicated the rest of her life to her growing family. And to her family, she was the most wonderful Wife, Mother, Nana, and Great-Nana.
Kathy loved painting, playing cards, and hosting parties especially during the holidays. Her Easter parties were large, elaborate and fun. She was selfless in caring for both family and friends, many times as a caregiver.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 31 years, Jon C. Leaman of Ocoee, FL, son David (Danielle) Amiss of Iverness, FL, daughter April Bailey of Pensacola, FL, grandsons Bradley (Kelly) LaFlamme, Zachary Amiss, Asher Amiss, and Elliot Amiss, granddaughters Makenna (Carter) Pinske, Allison (Kamron) Dixon, Emerson Amiss, and Isabella Deloya. Great-grandchildren are Chloe LaFlamme, Calum Pinske, Worth Pinske, Kayden Dixon, and Karter Dixon, Sisters Lillian Kennedy of Palm Bay, FL and Rita (Neil) Raiche of Derry, NH, brothers James Matarozzo of Collran, CO and Ralph (Marvis) Matarozzo of Hubert, NC.