Catherine Leonard
(née Griffin)

So sorry to hear of the death of Mrs Leonard - The best teacher I ever had in school. She was so gentle & kind. I just had her for one year in second class & it was my happiest year in school. When I met her out & about many years later she instantly remembered my name & where I lived. She was an amazing person & a real lady. I'm so glad I had the privilege of having her as my teacher even it was only for a year. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. My sincere condolences to her family & friends at this sad time.

So sorry to learn of Mrs Leonard's [assinf to eternal reward. She was so gentle and kind. I had her in Second Class - Miss Griffin in June and Mrs Leonard when she returned in Sept. We split our day between the main building for written work and the infamous Club for our oral work. She had her lunch each day with Mrs O'Hehir and Mrs Connolly. When I moved up to Third Mrs O'Hehir became my tacher until 6th Class. Mrs O'Hehir had a fresh pot of tea for her lunch (and a china cup and saucer) and I made the tea for them for a lot of that time. I remember Mrs Connolly (nee Byrne) got married when we were in 2nd class and th nearly 80 of us were in Mrs Leonard's room looking out for the bride and groom who sneaked in in their wedding car en route to their reception. He class was very calm. She was very spiritual and I can see her in St John's with her big missal.

We often met on the bus coming home from town and it as a joy to catch up. You have lovely memories of a very special person to help you in the difficult days ahead but she will support you all th day long together with your late dad. Deepest sympathy to all.

I met Kitty about 64 years ago when she lived beside us on Dollymount Ave. She has been a lovely , funny kind friend to me since then. I enjoyed her company so much and our regular chats were such fun and so entertaining. I will miss her very much and remember her with love. My deepest sympathy to all her beloved family.

Mrs Leonard was a wonderful, warm and kind teacher. I absolutely adored her and two of my sisters were also lucky to have had her teach them at Belgrove School. My earliest childhood memories are of her showing me the nature table. She will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.

Deepest sympathy to the Leonards, Pam, Claire, Pearl, Gabriel and families on the passing of Kitty. May she rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to the Griffin and Leonard family on the death of Catherine.

My sincere and deepest sympathies on the passing of Mrs. Leonard. She truly was an exceptional and remarkable lady, with a genuine interest and care for everyone she met. Remembering her warmth and kindness. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam dílis.

Deepest sympathies to the Leonard & Griffin families from the Bradley family Clontarf.Mrs. Leonard was my first teacher in early 1980's- as she was for one of my sister's too.She never forgot the names of my siblings when I'd bump into her around Clontarf in later years, and she even wrote to me when I was abroad volunteering. Very kind & gentle woman and great teacher. May she rest in peace.

Deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mam. She was a colleague and friend of my Mam in Belgrove and I remember her well. A lovely lady. Rest in peace Kitty.

Sincere sympathy to the Leonard and Griffin families on the death of Kitty.

Please accept our sincere condolences on the death of your beloved mother. Our daughter Alice was priveleged to have had her as teacher in Junior & Senior Infants which provided such a wonderful start in her school life.
When all the girls left Holy Faith, Mrs Leonard came to their grad party and knew every young lady's name in the room. She had a prodigoius memory and such a kind nature always.
May she rest in Peace.

Sincere sympathy to all

My sincere sympathy to the Griffin and Leonard families on your sad loss RIP Kitty

deepest sympathy to niamh niall and catherine sisters and their familys

Heartfelt condolences Pearl, Pam, Clare ,Gabrielle and to Kitty’s children and grandchildren on her death. May she rest in everlasting peace!

So very sorry to hear of the death of Miss Griffin as I knew her. When she came to Clontarf first she was in "digs" in Dollymount Avenue and passed our garden to get to and from home. She save my brother's skin on more than one occasion and never met me in Nolan's without asking for Gearóid as she always called him. May she rest in peace.

To Niall & Family,

Sending you sympathies for your lost at this time, safe journey to you and your family. May she rest in peace.

Dear Niamh and Niall,
Although your mum didn’t teach me I have never forgotten her, sitting down for chats with us in the school yard in Belgrove, she was such a kind gentle and caring lady. May she rest on peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Niamh and Niall and the grandkids. Wishing your family and friend’s the best during this difficult time and know that you are in my thoughts. Someone as amazing as Mrs Leonand can never be forgotten. Forever in my heart and memories, they shall remain. I am at loss of words, please accept my condolences to all the family and friends of Mrs Leonand. May she rest in peace.

Deepest condolences on Catherine's passing, you're all in our thoughts.

Michael, Robert and Andrew

Dear Niamh and Niall,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a lovely lady, always ready to stop for a chat. It must be very difficult for you both in these trying, international circumstances that force us to stay away from each other. Please mind yourselves; thoughts and prayers are with you both and all the extended Griffin / Leonard family.
Ann Marie

Symptoms to the Leonard family on there recent brevament and to clare Dooley pam lyng and families

My condolences to all the family and friends of Mrs Leonard and to the many people who cherished her. Many, many years ago I was lucky enough to be taught by her and will always remember her kindness and the gentle atmosphere in her classroom, giving us as pupils care and affirmation and a love of learning. She was a beautiful person. May she rest in peace.

And the children loved her. what a beautiful tribute in the papers. Although it's sixty years ago, and she only taught me in a stand in capacity, she was a treasure.

Condolences to Griffin and Leonard families .

Deepest sympathy. May she rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy claire and extended family on your loss may she rest in peace

There wasn't a better way to start life in school than with the most wonderful teacher I have had the pleasure of having. She was such a gentle and caring soul. I am the youngest of 5, 4 of which were girls who had the joy of being her students. May Mrs Leonard RIP.

A teacher like no other . How lucky we were to have her for our first teacher. May she rest in peace.

Our Deepest sympathies to all the Griffin and Leonard families on the death of Kitty R.I.p

Deepest sympathies to the Leonard and Griffin families on the sad passing of Kitty. Rest in Peace.

Deepest sympathy to all the family at this sad time

I was another privileged child to have had Mrs Leonard as my teacher. She had a wonderful gentle teaching manner and was always so kind to us all. Even in her latter years, I'd say hello to her on the 130 & she always remembered me. So sad to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace.

Niamh and Niall I am so very sorry to hear about the death of your Mother. I got on well with your mother. Whenever we saw each other we would always have a chat and good laugh.
I actually saw the ambulance going past my house and went around in my wheelchair. I was told that she had had a fall. I waited till the ambulance took of to turn in the ring. I left and came back to my house. I thought she was OK because the ambulance didn't take her while I was there. You both take care of yourselves. This is a very difficult time for both of u. Actually my own Dad died on 23/03/2017. If you need anything even just to have a chat don't hesitate to contact me. Sending you both all my love and prayers xxx.

Niamh, I was sorry to hear of the passing of your mum. I remember her well, she was a lovely lady. May she Rest In Peace

Sincere sympathies at this sad time

Niamh and Niall, I was one of those girls taught to read by your Mother. May she rest in peace. A very sad and difficult time for you all. It was one of my pleasures as a young pupil to accompany her home and carry her bag after school. She was always kind and gentle with the class, never a cross word. She introduced us to different books than the normal school ones.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Miss Griffin as I knew her. She was a wonderful, warm, caring person and never stopped smiling all through life. May she rest in peace. Sympathies to all the family.

Deepest sympathy to Niamh, Niall, Pearl, Pam, Clair, and Gabrielle on Kitty’s sad passing. R.I.P.

Your mum was a lovely lady - although I never had Mrs Leonard as a teacher in Belgrove - she was kind, caring and always had a smile and a kind word for everyone she met. We loved her too as small girls in Belgrove !

Deepest sympathies to the Leonard and Griffin families on your sad loss at this time. RIP.

Sincere sympathy to you Clare on the death of your sister. May she rest in peace.

Niamh and Niall
I was very sorry to hear the sad news about your northern this morning.
I have lovely memories of working with her in Belgrove and her playing the piano in the Music Room for all the infant girls. What a wonderful start they got She was always so gentle and caring.
Will be thinking of you at this sad time.
May she rest in peace

Deepest sympathies to the Leonard and Griffin families on the death of Catherine R.I.P.

A former pupil in second class in St John the Baptist girls' school in 1960, I have never forgotten Mrs Leonard, an inspiration to all. Described by the parents of that group as 'a born teacher', she stood out, especially that era. I am very sad to learn of her passing and would like to send my sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.

I felt very sad when I happened on the death notice of Catherine (knew her as Kitty) today. May God reward her for her goodness to so many of us Sisters of Metcy , Clonfert, over many, many years. She was particularly effusive In her expressions of gratitude to her late
teachers from St. Raphael's College, Loughrea esp. Srs. Declan, Fabian, Xavier, Teresa and Sr. Austin. I remember Kitty was Prefect when I started in St. Raphael's in 1950. She was a model pupil known for her academic ability as well as her many fine human qualities. I spoke with her on phone many times over past few years when she contacted Sr. Finbar. May God grant Kitty the light, peace and joy of Heaven who was so faithful to Jesus and Mary throughout her life. I thank God for her inspirational life and remember all of you, her family, at this time of deep loss.

I wish to express my sincere Sympathy to the Leonard and Griffin families on the death of Catherine R.I.P..

I am so sad to read that the legendary Mrs Leonard has left us. Apart from being an excellent teacher , she brought a warmth and compassion to her role which helped us all - the children to learn and the parents to cope when any difficulties arose. She was an exceptional human being and I consider myself fortunate to have known her .
With deepest sympathy to Niamh and Niall

not only did Miss Griffin (as I first knew her) teach girls, she also prepared boys for First Communion. She always remembered me when we met in St John the Baptist Church at least 50 years later. A lovely lady and a great teacher. RIP

Deepest sympathy to you all, at this sad time. Noel, Mary & Treacy Family, Gurteen, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

Niamh and Niall
We are so sorry to hear of our mothers death . May she rest in peace. She was a kind and gentle lady and we have so many fond memories of her in Castilla park through the years ,

Niamh, so sorry to hear if your mother's passing. Mind yourself and may she rest in peace

Niamh & Niall, I am so sorry for your loss. I was privileged to have Mrs Leonard as my first teacher when I started in Belgrove at aged 4. She was a gentle and kind lady who gave us a wonderful start in life. None of my teachers after that ever came close to her and she will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in peace Teacher.