Mary White Leard

Mary Eleanor White Leard, 83, widow of the late James Caswell Leard, peacefully passed away at home Wenesday, June 14, 2023, after a long illness. The relatives and friends of Mary Eleanor White Leard are invited to attend her Funeral Service 2:00 PM Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial at Beaufort National Cemetery will take place 1:00 PM Friday.

Born to the late Joseph and Mary White, March 25, 1940, in Charleston, SC, Mary graduated from Bishop England High School in 1958. She married James Caswell Leard that same year. The newlyweds traveled the United States and the world together from San Diego to Guam, Texas, New Mexico, and Utah. The couple returned to the lowcountry in 1978 making James Island forever their home. Mary worked for MUSC for many years before retiring in 2005.

Mary loved her family and tirelessly helped anyone in need. Mary’s cooking, baking, and entertaining skills led to decades of hosting parties and holiday celebrations for family and friends.

Mary is survived by her two children, James Joseph Leard (Allison) of Sumter and Edward Christopher Leard (Connie), of Charleston. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Mary Emerson Leard and James Samuel Leard; sisters Shirley Hayden of Charleston and Barbara (Doug) Bernthal of Beaufort; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved animals. A special thanks is owed to Connie Leard and Kathy Simons for the extraordinary love and care provided to Mary throughout her illness.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.