Bertha (Poirier) Leonard, 98, of Gardner, died unexpectedly in the comfort of her home on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Born in Rogersville, New Brunswick, Canada, on September 2, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Narcisse and Emma (Hebert) Poirier. Bertha immigrated to the United States and dedicated many years of her life to her work as a seamstress at Heywood Hospital of Gardner, retiring in 1990 after 17 years of service.

Bertha was a devoted parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner and a member of the Gardner Golden Agers. She enjoyed staying active throughout her life and was an avid bowler, card player and golfer for many years. Above all else, Bertha's greatest joy was her family. She treasured every holiday gathering, laugh shared, and memory created with those she loved, especially as her family continued to grow through the years.

Bertha is survived by her two daughters, Jo-Ann Leonard of Gardner and Margaret F. Jaillet and her husband, Peter, of Gardner; a son, John R. Leonard of Gardner; four grandchildren, Travis Jaillet and his wife, Nicole, Hillary Jaillet, Jason Leonard, and Alexis Frotten and her husband, Jeremy; two great- grandchildren, Julian and Wesley; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 42 years, Robert B. Leonard, who died in 1999; and by her siblings, Albert Poirier, Marie Thibeau, Flora Poirier, Anita Johnson, Louis Poirier, Beatrice Richard and Eric Poirier.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, from the funeral home, followed by a Mass at 1:30 p.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Heywood Wakefield Commons Activity Fund, 50 Pine Street, Gardner, MA 01440 and/or to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, c/o Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Bertha Leonard.