With sad and heavy hearts, we announce that Leona Elizabeth (Correlle) Pebler went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 18, 2026. Following a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, Leona passed in the warmth and comfort of her home in Northwood, NH, surrounded by the love of her family.
Leona was born on February 8, 1951, in Winchester, MA, to Bernard J. and Leona E. (Doran) Correlle. Being named after her mother was an honor she proudly carried, reflecting the special bond and deep admiration she held for her throughout her life. Raised on Martin’s Pond in North Reading, MA, as the third of seven children, Leona developed strong family values that would guide her throughout her life, along with a lifelong love of the water and water skiing.
During her freshman year at North Reading High School, Leona met David, who would become her lifelong love and husband. A natural cheerleader, she had a gift for uplifting, encouraging, and supporting others, whether cheering on her team or those she loved, both on and off the field. This spirit of encouragement became a defining part of who Leona was, extending into every chapter of her life.
At age 30, in Wakefield, MA, Leona began what she lovingly called her greatest calling: raising “my three sons.” Motherhood was a role she cherished deeply, whether she was soothing, cuddling, and singing to her babies, or spending countless days enthusiastically cheering them on at their sporting events as they got older, Leona poured her heart into being a mother. Her love for her boys was unwavering, and she took great joy in being their biggest supporter.
Along the way, Leona and David discovered the charming town of Newfields, NH, which would become a place they called home and the setting for the next beautiful chapter of their lives. There, they put down roots and raised their three boys, watching them grow from childhood to adulthood. Newfields became more than just a place to live; it was where their family grew, cherished memories were made and a lifetime of love was shared.
In time, Leona embraced another beautiful chapter of her life: becoming a grandmother to six beloved grandchildren. This new role brought her immeasurable joy and filled her heart in ways only a grandmother’s love can. More recently, she was blessed to have her local grandchildren living right next door, allowing her to see them daily and share in the simple, precious moments of their everyday lives. She treasured this time together, showering them with compassion, encouragement, and unconditional love while instilling in them the values of kindness and faith. She also cherished every visit with her grandchildren who lived in Florida and California, making the most of each opportunity to be together and create lasting memories. Near or far, each grandchild held a special place in Leona’s heart, and she loved, encouraged and cheered them on every step of the way.
Leona had many passions, including a deep love for music. Whenever a favorite song came on, she couldn’t help but sing along and dance, letting the music move her. Food was another of the ways she expressed her love, a passion passed down from her Mum to her and her sisters. She especially enjoyed Italian food and seafood, and the Food Network was a household staple. Whether preparing a meal for her loved ones or cooking for a crowd, Leona found joy in bringing people together around the table. To her, sharing food was more than simply feeding others; it was a way of showing love, creating memories and making everyone feel welcomed.
Leona’s faith in the Lord was the foundation of her life and was reflected in the ways she cared for others. Serving her church communities at Messiah Lutheran Church and Regeneration Church (formerly Faith Lutheran Church) was deeply meaningful to her. Whether helping with Sunday morning café, hosting small groups, volunteering at Vacation Bible School, or lending a hand at holiday events, Leona was always willing to serve wherever she was needed. If food needed to be prepared or an extra set of hands was needed, she showed up with joyful energy, a generous heart, and a giving spirit. For Leona, faith was more than a belief; it was something she lived each day through her kindness, generosity and unwavering love for others.
Throughout her life, Leona was a loving cheerleader in every sense of the word, as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her warmth, generosity, unwavering faith, and joyful spirit touched the lives of all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she shared and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. This is the legacy of love she leaves to all that knew her.
Leona is survived by her beloved husband, David Pebler; her three sons, Corey Pebler, Daniel Pebler and his wife Erin, and Joseph and his wife Joceyln; and her adored six grandchildren, Adeline and Brayden (Corey and Deanna), Peyton and Colin (Daniel and Erin), and Franklin and Laurence (Joseph and Jocelyn); her sisters Sandra Correlle, Mary Polito and her husband Michael, Tricia Dillon, and Anne Marie Langill and her husband Bob; her brother, Paul Correlle and his wife Missy; along with many nieces and nephews; she was predeceased by her beloved parents, Leona and Bernard, and her sister, Bernadette Sorrenti.
Visitation hours will be held on Friday, November 6th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St, North Reading, MA 01864. A memorial service will be held the following day, Saturday, November 7th at 10:30 a.m. at Regeneration Church, 4 Elm St, Exeter, NH 03833, followed by Celebration of Life Reception at Congregational Church, 21 Front St, Exeter, NH 03833. In honor of Leona’s vibrant spirit and favorite color, family and friends are welcome to wear purple or other colorful attire.
Memorial donations may be made to Seacoast Young Life or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in her name.