Celebrating the life of
Leonora Teresa Browne Welch
June 23, 1928 - July 28, 2015
Savannah- Leonora Teresa Browne Welch, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. Born in Savannah, Georgia on June 23, 1928, Leonora was the only child of Josephine Mollo and Palmer Carr Browne. She had many fond memories of her childhood with Italian family members on her mother's side, and growing up on her father's dairy farm, Kensington Dairy, which comprised the land known in Savannah today as Kensington Park and Fairway Oaks. She attended Cathedral Day School and St. Vincent's Academy, graduating in 1946 with the honor of class valedictorian. She went on to study journalism at Armstrong College, and worked at Citizens and Southern Bank. She married O.C. Welch, Jr. on October 4, 1952, a Savannah native and engineer for the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, and by 1963 she was a busy mother to her eight children. Leonora was affectionately called "Noni" by her husband and later by her many grandchildren. Leonora and O.C. were married for 43 years until his death in 1996.
Leonora was a devout Catholic, and the family were communicants of St. James Catholic Church, her children attending school there and then at St. Vincent's Academy and Benedictine Military School. As her nest began to empty, she found more time to avail herself to volunteer for several community organizations, but was especially dedicated to her work in the Diocese of Savannah and St. James offices. She enjoyed a close circle of friends known as The BOF's, Best of Friends, who met monthly for luncheons around Savannah; and was active in the Daughters of Ireland.
Leonora was a shining example of God's unconditional love, and was a loving and proud mother and grandmother. Survivors include her daughters, Celeste Welch Crago and Julie Welch Cirincioni; her sons, Michael Warren Welch (Aino), O.C. Welch, III, Daniel Kevin Welch, Brian Christopher Welch (Tiffany), Douglas Gerald Welch (Marcy) and Joseph Thomas Welch (Charlotte); 20 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist followed by a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Her six sons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Sisters of Mercy, (please notate Retirement Fund), at 11801 McAuley Dr., Savannah, Georgia 31419. The family is very grateful to Hospice Savannah for their wonderful and compassionate care as Leonora made her final journey home. Donations can be sent to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah GA 31416.
What a great person so we know why God has picked her to be an angel. Thoughts for all of you during this sad time. Love to all.
- Harry and Sherri Connolly, Savannah, Ga
All of your family are in my prayers as you mourn the loss of your beloved Mother. What a special lady she was! Your Mom is now in heaven looking down with love on her eight children. May you take comfort that she has found eternal happiness in heaven. Our hearts and sympathy are with you during this difficult time. Much love, Patty Lowe King and Children
- Patty Lowe King and Children, Savannah, GA
May the lord bless you and wrap his arms around you Tj Your couier
- Harmon , Rincon, GA
Walter and I wish to express our condolences to the Welch family. With heartfelt sympathy and offering a prayer that God will comfort you and ease the pain of your loss. Love yall. Tanya and Walter
- Tanya Milton and Walter Thomas, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss. I know she was a very special lady. Praying for you all.
- Lisa Springer, Rincon, Ga
Dear Welch Family, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand as you journey through this most difficult time. With sympathy....
- Mike and Julie Estvander, Savannah, GA
We were sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Bob worked on the Railroad with your dad and we met your mom many times. Such a nice lady. Our prayers are with the family.
- Robert Cornwell, Savannah, Ga
A loving lady with a heart as big as her smile. Our lives were richer because of her. Many of her "best of friends" we're awaiting her arrival into the gates of heaven. I feel sure these ladies will be celebrating a reunion, while we here on earth are sadden by her lost. I send my love, prayers and thoughts to the Welch family during this difficult time.
- Kathleen Kenney Brown, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was so good to me, and I will always remember that. God be with your family.
- Patty Sandoval , Savannah, Ga
To O.C. and other members of the family, I express my heartfelt sympathy at this time. Keep the Memory and Legacy of this Wonderful Woman alive by remembering all the life lessons that she taught you. May God's Peace and Comfort surround you.
- Sheri Saleem Scott, Savannah, GA
Heartfelt sympathy to the family, may you be comforted by the many warm thoughts of those who care and share their own personal remembrances of your beautiful mother. Praying for the family to have the strength. Love, Pat
- Patricia Gutman DiGirolamo , Port St Lucie , Fl
Dear Julie and family, Please know that you are in our prayers during this time. We love you Kristi, Steve, Chelsea, Connor and Caytie Michael
- Kristi Michael, Savannah, GA
MOM and I are so sorry to read of Mrs. Welch. She was a special person and was a beautiful soul.
- ANGELA RIMEDIO, TYBEE, GA
Dear Family, Please accept my condolences for the loss of your dear mother. From everything that I have learned, she was an intelligent, compassionate and loving mother, wife and friend. Although I am glad that she is at peace, I know that you will miss her for the rest of your lives. If I make it to heaven, I hope to meet her. We could talk about so many things: Shakespeare, writing, literature of all kinds. Please know that I am thinking and praying for all of you. Love, Sharon
- Sharon Welch O'Brien, Bantam, CT
Julie Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers. "Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever". .... Perry and Priscilla Rissell
- Perry Russell, Ellabell , Ga.
Julie my heart breaks for you.I know how much you loved your sweet Momma. You have been a wonderful daughter. So caring and selfless to always make sure your Momma shared in your's and your children's lives. I know you will miss her dearly but we know you will see her again someday. Love you friend. I also would like to say to your family how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Tanya Evans , Savannah , Ga
Julie my heart breaks for you.I know how much you loved your sweet Momma. You have been a wonderful daughter. So caring and selfless to always make sure your Momma shared in your's and your children's lives. I know you will miss her dearly but we know you will see her again someday. Love you friend. I also would like to say to your family how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Tanya Evans , Savannah , Ga
Sorry for your loss.
- Bob White, Greensboro, Ga
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your dear Mom and matriarch of the Welch and extended families.May her soul rest in peace and may you all be comforted to bear this loss with God's grace
- Chris Desa, Savannah, GA
Julie my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
- phyllis bozarth, houma, la
John McCarthy
- John McCarthy, Savannah, GA
It's a sad time for the family and friends of a fine lady and mother. May God provide showers of blessing on the family.
- Bill Avila, Pooler, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Welch Family. We are so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. May each one of you cherish the memories and love that you hold in your heart. We pray that The Lord gives you strength, comfort and peace now and in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy,
- Lynn Wells and Mark Troughton, Savannah, GA
Welch family, I have many fond memories of your mother at BOF. I used to chauffeur my to those luncheons and your mother was always so gracious. My sympathies on your loss of a lovely lady.
- Julia C. Muller, Savannah, GA
Dear O.C. and family, Dan and I are so very sorry. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
- Dan and Susan Sapp, Pembroke, Ga
Knew her and O.C. many years ago. Wonderful to watch their progress in the city. We are richer for having had them both.
- Miriam Center, Savannah, Georgia
May God Bless
- Michael E Morris, Hardeeville, SC
Leonora, Noni, Mimi, Ms.Welch.....or however you addressed her, you knew she was special. She was unassuming, giving, loving, a godly woman who loved her family. While I know you, her children, are feeling a deep sense of loss, I'm sure you are also grateful that she is no longer in pain and is experiencing "a peace that passes all understanding". We worship a God of mercy and love and He now holds Noni in the palm of His Hand - and that thought gives me so much peace.
- Janey Welch, Savannah, GA
I am sure the BoF all welcomed Mrs. Welch upon arrival in heaven. We know the loss of parents is one of the hardest, but to know of her heavenly rewards are a great comforter. She is now held in the Palm of His Hand for ever and ever.
- Angie & Bernie Foran, Savannah, GA
O C you and your Family are in our prayers with the passing of your Mom. Be Blessed to know she's now with The LORD and Dad and looking down on you and family to guide and comfort.
- Rick & Patti Glendye, Savannah, Ga
To the Welch family: I am saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. In this difficult time, I pray you are able to find peace and comfort.
- Katie Bolen, Atlanta, GA
To O.C Welch family our prayer's are with you bob muncy Lawrenceville Ga
- bob muncy, Lawrenceville , Ga
To the Welch family, I am very sorry For the loss of your Mom. I will always remember Mrs. Welch for being so kind. I will say a prayer for her and your family at this difficult time. Regards, Steve Von Waldner
- Stephen Von Waldner, Greenville, Sc
We love you very much Noni. So glad you got to meet my husband Brandon and your great grandson Orion and be present for his baptism last year. You will always hold a special place in my heart. God grant me the patience of a woman who is the matriarch of 8 children, the kindness and hospitality of a true southern sweetheart and the love to last all the years of our lives. Rest in peace Noni, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
- Christina Ried, North Pole, AK
Dear O.C. and Family,we send our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear mother.She was so well thought of by so many people.May you and the family remember all of the happy times.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia
My deepest sympathy to all the Welch family..Mrs Welch was part of my life growing up knowing Joe and Doug...She always made me feel at home when I came to visit, and I miss our discussions on our love for the blessed mother...I know the blessed mother greeted her when she passed..Mrs Welch, this is for you..Hail Mary, full of grace, the lord is with thee..Blessed are thou of among woman and blessed is the fruit of thy womb jesus..Holy Mary, mother of God pray for our sinners, now and the hour of our death..amen
- BERGMANN, Savannah, Ga
Another Angel returns home to be reunited with Family and Friends who have gone on before. Prayers for strength to remaining family and friends, especially to my boss OC and his brother Joe who I worked with for years on the Parade Committee.
- Fred and Beth Elmgren, Savannah, GA
What a great person so we know why God has picked her to be an angel. Thoughts for all of you during this sad time. Love to all.
- Harry and Sherri Connolly, Savannah, Ga
All of your family are in my prayers as you mourn the loss of your beloved Mother. What a special lady she was! Your Mom is now in heaven looking down with love on her eight children. May you take comfort that she has found eternal happiness in heaven. Our hearts and sympathy are with you during this difficult time. Much love, Patty Lowe King and Children
- Patty Lowe King and Children, Savannah, GA
May the lord bless you and wrap his arms around you Tj Your couier
- Harmon , Rincon, GA
Walter and I wish to express our condolences to the Welch family. With heartfelt sympathy and offering a prayer that God will comfort you and ease the pain of your loss. Love yall. Tanya and Walter
- Tanya Milton and Walter Thomas, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss. I know she was a very special lady. Praying for you all.
- Lisa Springer, Rincon, Ga
Dear Welch Family, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand as you journey through this most difficult time. With sympathy....
- Mike and Julie Estvander, Savannah, GA
We were sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Bob worked on the Railroad with your dad and we met your mom many times. Such a nice lady. Our prayers are with the family.
- Robert Cornwell, Savannah, Ga
A loving lady with a heart as big as her smile. Our lives were richer because of her. Many of her "best of friends" we're awaiting her arrival into the gates of heaven. I feel sure these ladies will be celebrating a reunion, while we here on earth are sadden by her lost. I send my love, prayers and thoughts to the Welch family during this difficult time.
- Kathleen Kenney Brown, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was so good to me, and I will always remember that. God be with your family.
- Patty Sandoval , Savannah, Ga
To O.C. and other members of the family, I express my heartfelt sympathy at this time. Keep the Memory and Legacy of this Wonderful Woman alive by remembering all the life lessons that she taught you. May God's Peace and Comfort surround you.
- Sheri Saleem Scott, Savannah, GA
Heartfelt sympathy to the family, may you be comforted by the many warm thoughts of those who care and share their own personal remembrances of your beautiful mother. Praying for the family to have the strength. Love, Pat
- Patricia Gutman DiGirolamo , Port St Lucie , Fl
Dear Julie and family, Please know that you are in our prayers during this time. We love you Kristi, Steve, Chelsea, Connor and Caytie Michael
- Kristi Michael, Savannah, GA
MOM and I are so sorry to read of Mrs. Welch. She was a special person and was a beautiful soul.
- ANGELA RIMEDIO, TYBEE, GA
Dear Family, Please accept my condolences for the loss of your dear mother. From everything that I have learned, she was an intelligent, compassionate and loving mother, wife and friend. Although I am glad that she is at peace, I know that you will miss her for the rest of your lives. If I make it to heaven, I hope to meet her. We could talk about so many things: Shakespeare, writing, literature of all kinds. Please know that I am thinking and praying for all of you. Love, Sharon
- Sharon Welch O'Brien, Bantam, CT
Julie Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers. "Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever". .... Perry and Priscilla Rissell
- Perry Russell, Ellabell , Ga.
Julie my heart breaks for you.I know how much you loved your sweet Momma. You have been a wonderful daughter. So caring and selfless to always make sure your Momma shared in your's and your children's lives. I know you will miss her dearly but we know you will see her again someday. Love you friend. I also would like to say to your family how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Tanya Evans , Savannah , Ga
Julie my heart breaks for you.I know how much you loved your sweet Momma. You have been a wonderful daughter. So caring and selfless to always make sure your Momma shared in your's and your children's lives. I know you will miss her dearly but we know you will see her again someday. Love you friend. I also would like to say to your family how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Tanya Evans , Savannah , Ga
Sorry for your loss.
- Bob White, Greensboro, Ga
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your dear Mom and matriarch of the Welch and extended families.May her soul rest in peace and may you all be comforted to bear this loss with God's grace
- Chris Desa, Savannah, GA
Julie my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
- phyllis bozarth, houma, la
John McCarthy
- John McCarthy, Savannah, GA
It's a sad time for the family and friends of a fine lady and mother. May God provide showers of blessing on the family.
- Bill Avila, Pooler, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Welch Family. We are so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. May each one of you cherish the memories and love that you hold in your heart. We pray that The Lord gives you strength, comfort and peace now and in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy,
- Lynn Wells and Mark Troughton, Savannah, GA
Welch family, I have many fond memories of your mother at BOF. I used to chauffeur my to those luncheons and your mother was always so gracious. My sympathies on your loss of a lovely lady.
- Julia C. Muller, Savannah, GA
Dear O.C. and family, Dan and I are so very sorry. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
- Dan and Susan Sapp, Pembroke, Ga
Knew her and O.C. many years ago. Wonderful to watch their progress in the city. We are richer for having had them both.
- Miriam Center, Savannah, Georgia
May God Bless
- Michael E Morris, Hardeeville, SC
Leonora, Noni, Mimi, Ms.Welch.....or however you addressed her, you knew she was special. She was unassuming, giving, loving, a godly woman who loved her family. While I know you, her children, are feeling a deep sense of loss, I'm sure you are also grateful that she is no longer in pain and is experiencing "a peace that passes all understanding". We worship a God of mercy and love and He now holds Noni in the palm of His Hand - and that thought gives me so much peace.
- Janey Welch, Savannah, GA
I am sure the BoF all welcomed Mrs. Welch upon arrival in heaven. We know the loss of parents is one of the hardest, but to know of her heavenly rewards are a great comforter. She is now held in the Palm of His Hand for ever and ever.
- Angie & Bernie Foran, Savannah, GA
O C you and your Family are in our prayers with the passing of your Mom. Be Blessed to know she's now with The LORD and Dad and looking down on you and family to guide and comfort.
- Rick & Patti Glendye, Savannah, Ga
To the Welch family: I am saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. In this difficult time, I pray you are able to find peace and comfort.
- Katie Bolen, Atlanta, GA
To O.C Welch family our prayer's are with you bob muncy Lawrenceville Ga
- bob muncy, Lawrenceville , Ga
To the Welch family, I am very sorry For the loss of your Mom. I will always remember Mrs. Welch for being so kind. I will say a prayer for her and your family at this difficult time. Regards, Steve Von Waldner
- Stephen Von Waldner, Greenville, Sc
We love you very much Noni. So glad you got to meet my husband Brandon and your great grandson Orion and be present for his baptism last year. You will always hold a special place in my heart. God grant me the patience of a woman who is the matriarch of 8 children, the kindness and hospitality of a true southern sweetheart and the love to last all the years of our lives. Rest in peace Noni, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
- Christina Ried, North Pole, AK
Dear O.C. and Family,we send our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear mother.She was so well thought of by so many people.May you and the family remember all of the happy times.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia
My deepest sympathy to all the Welch family..Mrs Welch was part of my life growing up knowing Joe and Doug...She always made me feel at home when I came to visit, and I miss our discussions on our love for the blessed mother...I know the blessed mother greeted her when she passed..Mrs Welch, this is for you..Hail Mary, full of grace, the lord is with thee..Blessed are thou of among woman and blessed is the fruit of thy womb jesus..Holy Mary, mother of God pray for our sinners, now and the hour of our death..amen
- BERGMANN, Savannah, Ga
Another Angel returns home to be reunited with Family and Friends who have gone on before. Prayers for strength to remaining family and friends, especially to my boss OC and his brother Joe who I worked with for years on the Parade Committee.
- Fred and Beth Elmgren, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
