Leila Mae Thayer

September 11, 2020

Leila Mae Thayer, 95, departed this life peacefully on September 3rd in her home, surrounded and comforted by her family.

Born on April 3, 1925 in Nova Scotia, Canada, Leila was the eldest of two children born to Leonard and Reta (Logan) Nicholson. Leila frequently reflected on a very happy childhood with her brother Orville (Bud), with whom she shared an unbreakable bond.

During her early twenties, Leila left her beloved Canada, and traveled to Rhode Island where she was welcomed and mentored by her uncle Ben and Catherine Nicholson. It was at this point in her life where she realized her life’s calling. Leila attended and graduated from the nursing program at Holy Ghost Hospital in Massachusetts as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and began her nursing career which spanned almost fifty years, finally retiring at age 70. While studying nursing, Leila met fellow student Maureen (Ogara) Kennan, who quickly became her best friend. They remained inseparable for the rest of her life.

During her extensive nursing career, Leila was a well-loved and indefatigable worker, devoting her time at the Providence Lying-In Hospital (later becoming Women and Infant’s Hospital), caring for women with high risk pregnancies. She also worked nights, as the charge floor nurse, at Hebert’s Nursing Home caring for patients.

In 1954, Leila married the love of her life, Harold Thayer. Together, they settled in Smithfield, RI raising her two precious children, Michael and Nancy. Following the passing of her husband, Leila relocated to Pensacola in 2000 where she spent the rest of her life near to her son and daughter, and her two beloved grandchildren, Ashley and Joseph. Leila’s children and grandchildren were the lights of her life.

Leila’s lifelong love was her family. She was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends. Holidays were especially joyful for her, as she enjoyed cooking, baking, singing, and just interacting with her loved ones. Leila had a gift for showering her love to others through baking and knitting of dishcloths to share with family and friends. Leila opened her Pensacola home to many friends during the holiday season for food and good conversations which included Barry and Paula Tweedie, M’Adele Carson, the Wallis Family, and the Wilkins Family.

In retirement, Lee discovered another passion working with children. Assisting her daughter Nancy, a teacher, Leila volunteered many hours tutoring and reading to elementary age children at Oriole Beach Elementary School. In addition to being loved by the children she mentored, Lee was also a favorite of the teachers and staff. It was not uncommon for Lee to bake hundreds of cookies during the holidays for her friends at Oriole Beach. Leila was recognized for her selfless devotion to the children and staff by being awarded “Volunteer of the Year” at Oriole Beach Elementary School, an award which she cherished.

Leila also found spiritual guidance and love through her monthly participation with her bible group, led by Janet Wells and Pat Holman. Leila was blessed to make many new friends throughout her lifetime including Mary MacMahon, Maryanne Meier, Laura Robinson, and Jane Barretta.

Leila was preceded in death by her beloved parents, brother, and husband, as well as her loving aunts Thurza and Winnie. She leaves behind her son Michael Thayer, daughter Nancy (Thayer) Virgilio, son-in-law Joseph Virgilio Jr, grandchildren Dr. Ashley Virgilio and Joseph M. Virgilio, and Valerie (Westmark) Virgilio. Other family members include Vicki Virgilio, Donna, Amanda, and Joey Masseur.

In Ontario, Canada, she leaves behind her niece, Suzanne Rowe and nephew Leonard Nicholson, his partner Diane, and their children Alexandra, Emma, and Ryan. Following his parent’s passing, Leonard became like a son to her. In Nova Scotia, she leaves behind her many beloved cousins, Sandra and Gary Matthews, the Rutherford families, the Logan family, the Small family, and the McDonald family.

In Massachusetts, she leaves behind her lifelong best friend and confidante Maureen Keenan, along with the Keenan family, Lagasse family, and Dimock family. In Rhode Island, she leaves behind many good friends and neighbors, Elizabeth and Anthony Szylin, the Schaffer & Courtot families, the Parente family, the Laferriere family, the Atwood family, the Stadnick family, the Smith family, and Carol Main and her family where many wonderful summers were shared at their family beachhouse.

Visitation with her family will be on Thursday, September 10th beginning at 4:30pm with a memorial service to follow beginning at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family asks that visitors wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries