Obituary of Leonie Roper

Fairport: March 14, 2008. Leonie Louise Roper was born to John and Helen Tweed (nee Perinchief) on December 4, 1928. She was the fifth child of twelve children (8 boys and 4 girls). She was predeceased by four brothers, Kenneth, George, Willard (Jack) and Sinclair (Conk). Surviving siblings are Cedric, Kingsley, Vincent and Keith Tweed, Mildred Robinson, Ismay Sheppard and Barbara Raynor. As a child growing up in Bermuda she attended Central School in Pembroke parish until she was 13 years old. But for Leonie, as was so common back then, went straight from Central School into the work force as a counter girl serving ice cream sodas at the Phoenix Drug Store. She had a reputation for being energetic and hard working, however she also had a passion for sewing and went on to attend sewing school where she learnt how to make the famous Bermuda cedar handle handbags. Leonie could buy a piece of fabric in the morning and have an outfit ready to wear that evening. Leonie had many pastimes, such as being a member of the Grace Church choir, girl guide and horseback riding. However, her most favorite pastime was singing. She frequently performed with her sister Mildred singing at various events and concerts throughout Bermuda. Another favorite pastime that Leonie enjoyed with her family was singing around the piano on Sundays after church and was often the lead singer. When Leonie gave birth to her only child Rio Rita, she become her pride and joy. During Rio's childhood, Leonie took her everywhere she went, she had her traveling at an early age and always had her dressed to kill from head to toe. As time went on a great opportunity arose for Leonie to begin a new job at the Bermuda Telephone Company where she stayed for many until she decided to pursue a career in cosmetology in the United States. Whilst in the United States she met the love of her life, John Roper. They were married on February 12, 1968. Leonie and John shared many wonderful moments together traveling and visiting family and friends in the U.S. and Bermuda. It would be impossible to tell you how much we love, admire, respect and cherish our dear Lee. Her door was always open to anyone such as family and friends whenever we came to visit. Leonie and John would cook up a storm and make sure we all had something to eat. She was always ready to say "I bought that outfit, it can't fit me, you take it". You could always find something in her closet to wear for any occasion. Three things come to mind when you think of Leonie. A mother, sister, aunt and a friend. 1. An angel of a person who was always concerned with the welfare of others. 2. A sophisticated, professional woman who wore immaculate attire right down to her shoes each time she stepped out. 3. A woman of poise, great stature and yet always approachable. Leonie had a vibrant, giving heart and always was ready to give; but angelic is the one we remember most. Survived by her devoted husband, John; daughter, Rio Rita Wilson; brothers, Cedric (Nell) Tweed, Rev. Kingsley Tweed, Vincent Tweed and Keith (Pearl) Tweed; sisters, Mildred Robinson, Ismay Sheppard and Barbara (Alden Sr.) Raynor; a host of other relatives and friends in the U.S., London, and Bermuda. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park, Perinton, NY.