Brenda E. (Cononico) Leshnack

Brenda E. Leshnack, age 81 passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 2, 2021. Brenda was born on February 7, 1940 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Daniel and Helen (Beshara) Cononico. Brenda, together with her family resided on the east side of Youngstown and moved to Liberty Township in 1970 where she lived until her passing. Brenda was a practicing Catholic and a member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, St. Anthony Parish and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Brenda graduated from East High School in1958 where she met and married the love of her life, Eugene “Beansy” Leshnack who preceded her in death on October 18, 2009. Brenda was part owner of B & B Contractors & Developers, Inc. of Youngstown. She started in 1957 at age 16 as a secretary and bookkeeper for the family construction business. She continued to work until 2018 as well as serving on the Board of Directors as the Corporate Secretary.

Brenda will be forever held in the hearts of her children who meant everything to her, Gina (Rick) Fortune who made their home with her and helped in her care.  Also, Christine (James Combs) Cordy both of Liberty Township, Anthony (Anita) Leshnack of Lordstown, and Geno Leshnack of Vienna, Ohio. Brenda also leaves her precious grandchildren, David & Kimmy Cordy of Columbus, Joey Leshnack of Liberty Township, Leah Leshnack of Cleveland, Senior Airman Ty Leshnack of Little Rock, AR, Kellsie and Geno Leshnack both of Vienna, and great granddaughter Abbey Fortune. Brenda leaves many nieces and nephews which she loved and cared for like her own children.

Nothing made Brenda happier than attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time with her family and friends.  She also enjoyed watching college basketball and pro football games.

Brenda will forever be remembered by many for her generosity, giving and deep sense of “family is everything” moto. Brenda was known to many as Aunt Bee, Ziggy, Marie, and Grandma Bren and famously known as “The Youngstown Bocce Queen”.  Brenda was an avid Bocce Player and played throughout the city in many different leagues. She also was a skilled poker player and was a member of the Sunday evening Poker Card Club at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. She was a member of the Catholic War Vets of Youngstown, St. Tobias Society, the 25 Club at St. Marion’s Church and served as secretary and treasurer of the 1958 East High School Class Reunion Committee.

 Brenda joins in peaceful rest her parents, husband, and siblings, Patricia (Cononico) D’Andrea, James (Jacquelyn) Cononico, and Diane (Cononico) Tahos along with multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews.

 Family and friends may pay their respects to Brenda at Schiavone Funeral Home, 1842 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44504 on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 5-7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1155 Turin Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44510 on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 11 am.  Friends and family may also gather one hour before church for final viewing.

Memorial contributions may be made in Brenda’s memory to Antonine Sisters, 2675 North Lipkey Rd., North Jackson, Ohio 44451 or The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.

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