Leonarda M. "Lee," Federici died peacefully Wednesday, June 2, at Smith Phayer Hospice House in Landrum, SC. She was 96. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Saturday June 19, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 180 Laurel Ave., Tryon, NC, with Father Lucas Rossi as celebrant.Lee was born Dec. 13, 1913, in Belleville, NJ, to Anthony and G. Lunetta Cottone. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. In 1999, she became a Life Master of American Contract Bridge, and enjoyed playing bridge well into her nineties. She also was a recipient of the Wilson Hole in One Award in 1982 at Glen Cannon Country Club. Lee was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, and loved spending time with family and friends.Lee married Vincent James Federici on Oct. 13, 1935. Lee and Jim were married for 59 years when he died in 1994. Honoring her wishes, her body has been cremated and her ashes will be placed with Jim's in Beverly Hills, FL.Surviving are sons Nicholas and wife Marilyn Federici of Grand Blanc, MI, and R. Anthony "Tony" Federici and wife Shirley Ballantyne of Mill Spring, NC; grandchildren Nicole Federici of Brooklyn, NY, Tamara Federici of Brooklyn, NY, and Nathan and wife Adelaide Federici of Atlanta, GA, and their daughter, Nora, and many nieces and nephews. Her eight brothers preceded her in death.The family thanks the staff at Smith Phayer Hospice House, which is a part of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, for their thoughtful care. Additionally, Lee often expressed gratitude for the help she received as a resident of Laurel Woods Assisted Living in Columbus, NC.In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Lee's name to the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, NC 28722, or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 180 Laurel Ave., Tryon, NC 28782
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