Zella Leo, 96, of Poughkeepsie, passed away peacefully with her son and daughter at her side at the Golden Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kingston, NY.

She was born June 14, 1922 in Heflin, Alabama to the late John D. and Cora Lee Estes Blanton

Zella met Lawrence A. Leo of Poughkeepsie while he was stationed at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama.  Zella and Lawrence were married in Alabama October 5, 1941.  After the war they moved to Poughkeepsie and started a home and family.

Zella's passion was her home and family.  She was an excellent cook, loved gardening and was a challenging card player.  She worked many years as a waitress at the Hub Restaurant in Poughkeepsie and had her own antiques and collectable business at many area flea markets and antique stores.  Zella was a kind and open minded, creative person.

Zella is survived by her son Lawrence J. Leo and his partner Cristine Caivano, her daughter Linda Palfreyman and her husband Kevin. Grand children Lauren Sheeley and husband Daniel, Samuel Wainwirght and wife Andrea, and James Alfano. Great grandchildren, Cora and Violet Sheeley, Raynor Wainwright and Luke and Jimmy Alfano., also step great grandchildren Tyler and Kayla Sheeley and many nieces and nephews locally and in Alabama/Georgia.

She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence A. Leo , sisters IZella Harlan, Rose Blackburn, Margaret Tidwell, brothers, John D., Richard, Oscar, Willis, Marshall  and Frank Blanton.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2018, from 4 to 7 PM at Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Funeral services will be held on Monday, at 10:30 AM from the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, 171 Salt Point Turnpike, NY 12603.