Leah Louise Neely

Leah Louise Neely, 76, passed November 4, 2024 at her home. 

Born in Syracuse, NY, on March 26, 1948, the daughter of Gordon and Pearl Thomas, she lived her formative years in Baldwinsville, NY. She graduated from Baker High School, earned her RN at Crouse Irving School of Nursing, and earned her BSN at SUNY College of Technology. Leah took graduate level courses at Empire College.

Early in her career, she was a cardiac critical care nurse. By her mid 30's, Leah was the head nurse on med/surg and weekend supervisor at Crouse-Irving Memorial Hospital; known as Crouse Health today. For the rest of her professional career, she excelled in manager or director roles at Central New York Cardiology, Community General Hospital, Genesis. Leah was the first director of the Samaritan Rehabilitation unit, United Helpers, Claxton Hepburn and retired as the director of the Watertown VA Clinic.

Leah was active in the Clayton United Methodist Church, past President of Clayton Rotary, active member of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, and a breast cancer survivor. She developed the Live Your Best Life program with her friend Darlene Hartman. In recent years she enjoyed trail riding and realized a lifelong dream of owning two horses. Leah was a competent First Mate boating throughout the Thousand Islands and on cruises to Sackets Harbor, Picton and Prescott, Ontario. She was a former member of the Syracuse Power Squadron. Leah was always ready for adventure, climbing three lesser Adirondack Peaks twice, plus Ampersand.

Survivors include her husband Tom; children from a previous marriage, daughter Dr. Kathleen Burger, husband Dr. Scott Burger, and grandson Jack, Washington, D.C.; and son Ryan Goonan. Also Tom’s children, whom she nurtured, supported and loved as her own, Heather Sikora, husband Russ, granddaughter Sarah and grandson Joel, Ashburnham, MA; Michael Neely, Bradenton FL, and Brett Neely, San Luis Obispo, CA. Her brother and his wife, Scott and Merrie Thomas, Baldwinsville, NY. Aunt Dorothy McConnell, Lafayette, NY; a special niece, Jodi Wiley, Marcellus, NY; plus several cousins, nieces and nephews. Leah was predeceased by two sisters, Linda Drew and Sally Green.

Leah made friends easily and enjoyed capturing family and social gatherings with her camera. We will miss her smile, her sense of fashion, love for animals and the outdoors. Our family recognizes her dedicated caregivers and Jefferson County Hospice who ensured her comfortable, peaceful passing.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Clayton United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 am. Local arrangements are with Costello Funeral Service & Cremations, Alexandria Bay.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice; suggestions include Clayton United Methodist Church and Clayton Rotary Scholarship Fund.