Edward Leist

Edward P. Leist, 71, of Ballouville, formerly of South Windham, husband of Kathleen Burke Leist, died Saturday, May 25, 2002 at his home after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in New Britain on October 1, 1930, the son of Edward and Gladys Leist. He was a graduate of the Norwich Free Academy, class of 1949 where he was an active class member and athlete. He served in the U.S. Army with an honorable discharge in 1952 and served in the National Guard from 1952 to 1954. He was employed as a lineman for Southern New England Telephone for 35 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the South Windham Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Leist was a 45 year active member of the Willimantic and Putnam Elks Lodges and a communicant of St. Mary Church in Willimantic and St. Anne Church in Ballouville. Edward enjoyed his family and friends, numerous hours of woodworking and time spent at the beach. In addition to his wife Kay he is survived by his children; Jo-Ann Pocius and her husband Wally of Hampton, Sandra L. Rijs of South Windham, Michael Leist and his wife Sharon of Columbia. Also, Kathleen?s children; Betty Morin and her husband Richard of Pomfret, Patricia Malek of Windham, Robin Paquette and her husband Charles of Thompson. Three sisters; Betty Kocal of Wethersfield, Patricia Strong of East Haddam, Rita Dawley of Uncasville, grandchildren, Kimberly, Matthew, Dana, Kevin, Kelley, Thomas, Timothy, Laura, Jill, Eric, Kelley and Gavin, several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his devoted dog, Tina. Edward was predeceased by his wife Gisele (Paquin) Leist in 1982. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:45 am prior to the procession to his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church, Valley St., Willimantic. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to B.P.O.E. #1311 Elks Scholarship Fund, 198 Pleasant St. Willimantic, CT 06226. Please visit www.potterfh.com