In Memory of Margarita León

Obituary

Margarita León, 97, of New Hartford and Barcelona, Spain, passed away August 1, 2025, at the Presbyterian Home.

She was born March 24, 1928, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, daughter of the late Josefina Fernández de la Cancela and Félix León. She graduated from Mount Mary University, in Milwaukee, WI, with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Margarita served in the US Army with the rank of first lieutenant.

Margarita married Ignacio Pérez on July 16, 1954. He died May 13, 1995.

She worked for the World Health Organization in Santiago, Chile, from 1963-67 where she started an occupational therapy program at the university there.

She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford.

Margarita was an avid Bridge player and received many awards. She enjoyed her weekly Bridge games at the New Hartford Senior Center. She was also an adventurous traveler.

She is survived by her three daughters: Margarita Pérez-Cheron of New Hartford; Marta Pérez León of Barcelona, Spain; and Carlota Pérez-Belcher of New Hartford; her son, Ignacio Pérez León, of Maryland; thirteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and two more on the way.

She was predeceased by her husband, parents, her daughter Cristina, and her brother José León.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all the staff of the Presbyterian Home for all the care they gave to Margarita.

Calling hours are on Friday from 4-6 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. The funeral will be Saturday at 9:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In memory of Margarita, please consider donations to the Presbyterian Home.

Online messages of sympathy can be left at fwefh.com.