Obituary: Leah T. Kroeber, 98, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Leah T. (Dringoli) Kroeber, 98, of Wallingford, passed away on January 3, 2023, at the Southington Care Center. She was the wife of the late Wallace B. Kroeber.

Leah was born on December 27, 1924, in Wallingford, a daughter of the late Luigi and Ester Dringoli.

In 1947, Wally and Leah purchased a modest home with 5 acres of land on North Farms Road in Wallingford. They happily took on their new role as farmers and turned their property into a beautiful yet functional piece of land with vegetable gardens, fruit trees and flower beds.

In the summers Leah worked from sunup to sundown alongside her husband cultivating their land. Throughout the summer and fall her family and friends were treated to desserts she made from scratch using her fresh strawberries, rhubarb, apples, pears and peaches. She also froze and canned their fruits and vegetables so her family could enjoy them all winter. Her flower beds were extensive and gorgeous. People driving by would stop to admire them. They were truly “magazine worthy."

Leah was an avid bowler; she was in a league for years and won many trophies. In addition to bowling, baking and gardening, she also enjoyed crocheting. She made beautiful blankets for her great-grandchildren, which they still use to this day.

In 2021 Leah moved to The Orchards at Southington, an assisted living facility. While there she made many new friends. Her family would like to thank the staff and residents of this fine community for their kindness, compassion and friendship.

Leah is survived by her grandchildren Marcie and Robert Vázquez, Nicole Kroeber and Ryan Bendler, Taylor Kroeber, Scott Gubala, Sarah Atwater and Beth Sprague; Her great-grandchildren Rob, Cerina, Allie and Paul Vázquez brought her much joy and she relished in telling others about their many successes. She also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews and many friends who she considered family. Their visits and phone calls always brightened her day. Leah is also survived by her niece Cathy, with whom she had a special relationship and loved like a daughter.

Leah was predeceased by her four daughters; Donna Lee Tremper, Carol Jean Clemente, Nancy Ann Kroeber and Eileen Kroeber and her six siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 North Colony Road, Wallingford. Interment to follow in St John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice in honor of Leah.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.