Leta K. Confessore (nee Henderson) passed away on January 2, 2022. She was 86. Visiting will be on Wednesday January 5 from 3 until 7 p.m. at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday day in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.
Leta was born in Fort Monroe, Virginia to Hadley Henderson and Eliza Irving Henderson. As an infant, she lived in Long Island, New York, before settling in Harrison New Jersey. Years later while working at the Sun Chemical Corporation, she met her future husband, and love of her life, Ralph Confessore. He came to apply for a position as a chemist, he did not get the job, but the chemistry between them led to a long and happy marriage of 59 years.
Leta’s talents were many, she was a gourmet cook, and a skilled baker, whose meatballs, cheesecakes, and chocolate chip cookies were second to none. She was only a phone call away for a great recipe. Her gifted flare for writing was unleashed as she took classes at the Gotham writers’ workshop, in NYC, and soon studied with a private writing coach. She nurtured animals, especially cats, her entire life. Hadley, named for her father, led her through her transition, never leaving her side. Leta enjoyed being active with the Kearny, NJ School Board, she was past president of The Garfield School PTA, Kearny Band Parents and was active with the Champion Marching Unit at Kearny High School. She joined AA in 1983 and was a proud member of The Matt Talbot Retreat Movement. She enjoyed the experience of travel to France, Italy, Greece, Scotland, Ireland, England, Aruba, and Hawaii, just to name a few. Each trip enriched her life. Above all, her children and grandchildren, and great grandchildren were her true treasures. She gave her love and spent many joyous hours getting to know each one. A special note of thanks to the dedicated care-givers, especially Dorothy. In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to The Twisted Cat’s inc. P.O. Box 298 Kearny, N.J. 07032.
