2018 Grand Jury Report On ECUA Allegations Released With Critical Findings And Recommendations
September 11, 2020
Over two years after it was issued, a grand jury report on the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority was released Friday afternoon.
An Escambia County grand jury completed its review into complaints and allegations involving ECUA in July 2018. But that report was never released due to appeals filed by ECUA seeking to block it from becoming public.
A grand jury was convened and tasked with review of the operations, policies, and procedures of ECUA, specifically the grand jury investigation related to eminent domain proceedings, Florida public records and sunshine law, ECUA Board supervision, and delegation of authority.
Following its investigation and witness testimony, the grand jury concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate and returned a no true bill. However, because the grand jury was “deeply concerned” by the testimony it received, it issued the report. Under Florida law, individuals named in the report were given the opportunity to move to repress or expunge improper unlawful portions of the report. The appeals were ultimately rejected by the First District Court of Appeal.
In reading the findings below and the linked report, keep in mind it was issued two years ago and several aspects have changed. For instance, former ECUA director Stephen Sorrell has since retired, and then board member Elvin McCorvey passed away in January 2019.
TO READ THE FULL REPORT, CLICK HERE (PDF).
In the report, the grand jury made the following recommendations:
“We find that the Board has been grossly negligent in their supervision of the executive director, Stephen Sorrell. This is particularly true in the matter involving Bear Marcus Pointe and in their delegation to Sorrell of unlimited authority.
“We believe that the absence of term limits on Board Members has created a sense of complacency and has fostered an overreliance on the executive director and attorneys. An amendment to the Special Act should be considered that would place term limits on Board Members.
“A clear policy should be established regarding the signing of documents, particularly those involving real property. We believe that the Board Chair should sign such documents. Whenever the executive director is authorized to sign documents on behalf of the Board, there should be clear direction by way of resolution giving that authorization.
“There should be a policy, with deadlines, to honor commitments so that builders and developers can properly plan future projects. ECUA should formalize the development process in order to provide cost predictability related to design standards, requirements, and timelines once initial plans have been submitted. The Board should hold a public forum to discuss the development process.
“ECUA should develop an advisory board to review engineering manuals and standards to ensure that the manuals are consistent with other similar water and sewer agencies. Public stakeholders should be involved in this process.
“We strongly recommend that the Board hire an in-house attorney and support staff who are paid by salary and not on an hourly basis. We believe this would reduce the incentive oflitigation and would foster good will with businesses and individuals that ECUA works with. We also recommend that ECUA maintain a relationship with an attorney who specializes in eminent domain cases.
“Indemnity and hold harmless agreements should be in all easements unless specifically prohibited by law. This is standard practice for Gulf Power Company. ECUA has given such coverage to Gulf Power but refused the same request by the owner of the property.
“There should be specific policies in place requiring ECUA attorneys to provide regular briefing on attorney’s fees and litigation costs in pending cases.
“We recommend that appraisal procedures be reviewed particularly as they relate to eminent domain cases. We have noticed appraisals that were considerably under value that resulted in potentially unnecessary litigation.
ODOM AND BARLOW (ECUA’s attorneys)
“We find that Odom and Barlow heavily misled the Board and failed to keep them informed regarding pending litigation. Information involving settlement offers and discovery sanctions were never presented to the Board. Odom and Barlow did not advise the Board in a timely manner regarding issues with their email system or the missed deadline for the filing of an appeal. This resulted in four years of additional litigation and more than $460,000 in cost to ECUA.
“We recommend that ECUA continue to pursue possible legal malpractice claims against Odom and Barlow.
“Board members have indicated that they have asked for documents regarding legal fees and expenses, but have not been provided that information. Information regarding attorney expenses should be available at all times. ECUA should establish accounting procedures to make this information readily available.
“We find that Odom and Barlow were making policy decisions. This should not continue. We specifically find that they made policy decisions regarding indemnification and hold harmless agreements.
In their testimony, Board members have been very supportive of Bradley Odom. Other witnesses did not share this opinion. In his testimony, we found Odom to be both unprofessional and unprepared. We make these findings because they are important and should be considered by the Board in future decisions.
STEPHEN SORRELL
“We recommend that an independent review be conducted to determine if Stephen Sorrell should retain his position as executive director of ECUA. Of particular concern are his actions in the Bear Marcus Pointe case. We recommend that the employment contract for the executive director be renegotiated every two years with no automatic renewal provision. The current contract has been in place since 2004.
“We recommend that the executive director be formally evaluated annually and that a public feedback component should be included.
SUNSHINE/PUBLIC RECORDS
“We recommend ECUA contract with an outside agency to provide annual training for all employees on the requirements for both Sunshine and Public Record
Ascend’s New Mask Technology To Protect Against COVID-19 Is Now Available For Preorder
September 11, 2020
Ascend Performance Materials has made their new mask technology available to the public for purchase.
In July, NorthEscambia.com first reported that Ascend developed a new mask technology that protect against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, and the material to make it is manufactured at the company’s North Escambia facility on Old Chemstrand Road.
The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask is a reusable general purpose mask that features powerful built-in antimicrobial technology to protect the mask from odor-causing bacteria and mold fungi in a soft, breathable, comfortable fabric that is gentle on the skin.
It’s now available for preorder at acteev.com.
The mask is the first in a series of planned Acteev product introductions that will include a knit fabric mask and a sports gaiter. The company also announced it is designing an N95 respirator and a line of surgical masks and is developing more engineering plastics solutions for high-touch surfaces such as light switches and tray tables; textiles for use in scrubs and hospital gowns; and nonwoven fibers and rolled goods for use in applications such as filtration systems.
The expansion into masks is a natural extension for Ascend, which is the largest producer of nylon 6,6 resin in the world, said Lu Zhang, Ph.D., who joined Ascend earlier this year as vice president and leader of the Acteev business. “The nylon Ascend makes is durable enough to be used under the hood of a car, but when it’s spun into fibers, it can be woven or knitted into fabrics that are soft and silky,” she said. “Combined with our antimicrobial Acteev technology, our fabric makes an Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask more breathable, more comfortable and more wearable than anything else we’ve encountered in the market.”
The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask is an ideal choice for anyone seeking better protection, comfort and breathability than a typical blue mask and better availability than an N95 respirator, which are reserved for health care workers, Zhang said.
“Masks only inhibit the spread if they’re worn – that’s why comfort and breathability are so important,” Zhang said. “As we send our kids back to school, return to the workplace, resume shopping and otherwise get back to normal life, we need an option that is long-lasting and wearable for hours.
“They’re great for teachers, restaurant staff, transportation workers, industrial personnel and anyone whose lifestyle takes them out of their homes and into the world,” Zhang said.
Recent testing on the knit fabric completed at the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that Acteev technology deactivates the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, with 99.9% efficacy on contact1. Ascend is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other governmental agencies to obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances to make specific claims regarding the technology’s antiviral properties.
Acteev Protect Nonwoven Masks are made with Acteev™ technology with active zinc ions in a polymer matrix to destroy microbes.
“Acteev’s active layer of defense uses safe, environmentally friendly active zinc ions embedded into the matrix of the polymer – not a chemical spray that will wash away or flake off – meaning these masks can be used again and again,” said Phil McDivitt, CEO of Ascend.
The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Masks are constructed with three layers of zinc-embedded materials.
“Our scientists and engineers invented a process for creating a revolutionary new fabric that checks all the boxes,” McDivitt said. “Acteev™ fabric is soft to the touch and moisture-wicking to keep the face cool, and it’s more breathable than other materials used in masks.”
Our View: Where Were You That September Morning?
September 11, 2020
We publish this piece on an annual basis, and we encourage you to comment below, answering the question ‘Where Were You That September Morning?
September 11, 2001. It’s been 19 years.
Life, at least when that morning began, seemed good. I’ve always been a work at home dad, so I was home with my two girls. The youngest was almost four months old, and the oldest was approaching her fourth birthday. It was a normal morning. The little one was asleep, “fat and happy” as we used to say, after a morning bottle. The oldest was in the living room just a few feet from my office watching PBS Kids on the TV as I worked on a project for a client.
Then this arrived in my inbox:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 08:52am– World trade center damaged; unconfirmed reports say a plane has
crashed into tower. Details to come.
I got up, walked to the living room and flipped the TV to CNN. They were talking about how a pilot could make such an error, hitting such a large building. They were speculating that it was just a small plane. But then as the TV news helicopters zoomed their cameras in closer, the anchors were beginning to notice what I had already thought….those holes the tower were to big to have been a small plane.
(continues below photo)
I called my wife at work in Atmore. She had seen the breaking news email, and had tried to visit the CNN website to see the story. If you remember trying to use the internet that morning, it was near impossible to get a news website to load; they were all overloaded. She was unable to see the pictures. I was describing what I saw on the TV to her.
I managed to grab a picture from CNN via my web server and then download and email it to her. We were speculating about how it could happen when the second one hit.
I remember saying “wait, hold on, wait…”. I told her what I just watched on the TV. The second plane had hit the other tower. We quickly decided that we were at war as the anchors on TV speculated again that perhaps there was a problem with some navigational system, causing jetliners on a beautiful, clear morning in New York to fly into some of the tallest structures in the world.
Another breaking news email arrived:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:21am– Second plane crashes into World Trade Center.
She and I began to speculate ourselves that we were at war. What would we do? What should we do? What about the kids? It was not panic, understand, but just that protective momma and daddy instinct, I suppose. Prayer. That was a good idea. Maybe go to the bank and get out a little cash. That seemed like a good idea. How would you prep for a war on American soil? We were not sure.
I continued to relay information about what I was seeing on TV to my wife at work, who, in turn, would relay the information to her coworkers. They had a TV, but no cable service or antenna. They ended up fashioning a homemade antenna to see a fuzzy picture.
Meanwhile, the breaking news emails kept arriving…
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:32am– Sources tell CNN one of two planes that crashed into World Trade
Center was an American Airlines 767.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:42am– President Bush calls plane crashes at World Trade Center a
terrorist act.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:45am– Significant fire at the Pentagon. Details to come.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:46am– White House evactuated. Details to come.
The Pentagon on fire? The White House evacuated? Notice that in CNN’s email they were in such a hurry that they misspelled “evacuated”. One sentence at a time, the situation became more grave.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:55am– CNN confirms a plane hit the Pentagon
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:03am– One of World Trade Center towers collapses; fire forces
evacuation of State Department
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:30am– Second World Trade Center tower collapses in Manhattan
Over and over, we watched those towers collapse on TV, and we watched our Pentagon burn.
Our almost four year old asked a lot of questions. “Were people hurt? Did they need a Band-aid?” The magnitude of the event was lost on a four year old. Looking back at those first few hours, I think the magnitude of the event was lost on all of us.
Like many Americans, I sat glued to the TV that day, continuing to watch the video of the towers falling. Our almost four year old asked if another building fell down or if it was the same one. It was time to change the channel on the TV.
You might remember that many of the entertainment TV stations ran network news feeds. Others just simply ran screens about the day’s events. There was no USA network, no ESPN, no MTV. But on PBS, we found children’s programming at a time it was not normally on. For a little while, sitting in the living room floor holding my kids, the world stopped turning that September day, as we watched Big Bird and the Cookie Monster.
Country artist Alan Jackson later wrote a song “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”.
Some of those lyrics:
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cryDid you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left belowBut I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where where you when the world stopped turning that September day? Your comments are welcome below.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Bethany (Reynolds) Landis, click to enlarge.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely Each Day Into Next Week
September 11, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 89. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 85. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Florida Bars Can Reopen On Monday At 50% Capacity
September 11, 2020
Florida will allow bars to reopen at 50% capacity on Monday as the state’s COVID-19 cases continue to subside.
Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears signed an executive order Thursday night that rescinds the restrations his department placed on bars just three weeks after they reopened in June after coronavirus cases surged.
“In meetings with hundreds of owners of bars and breweries across the state, I’ve heard their stories of struggle, and I’ve observed their serious commitment to making health and safety a continuing priority in their businesses,” Beshears said in a statement. “It’s time that we take this step, and it’s vital that we start moving forward with this sector of our hospitality industry who have endured one of the toughest paths for sustaining a business during this pandemic.”
Alcohol vendors may operate at 50% capacity, allow bar service to seated patrons, and permit outdoor seating and service with appropriate social distancing, according to the order.
DeSantis Appoints Two To Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board
September 11, 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed two new members to the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board. They are Kelli Ralston and Nicholas “Nick” Patronis.
Kellie Ralston
Ralston, of Tallahassee, is the Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association. She has served as a fisheries management analyst for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and currently serves on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s Ad Hoc Red Snapper Private Angler Advisory Panel. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Florida State University.
Nicholas “Nick” Patronis
Patronis, of Panama City Beach, is an owner of Captain Anderson’s Restaurant and Waterfront Market. He has served his community as a member of the Life Management Center of Northwest Florida Board of Directors, the Florida Restaurant Association, and the National Restaurant Association. Patronis attended Gulf Coast Community College.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s mission protect and manage water resources in a sustainable manner for the continued welfare of people and natural systems across its 16-county region from the Perdido River in Escambia County to the St. Marks River Basin in Jefferson County.
Pictured: Fillingim Land along the Perdido River in North Escambia is managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Peanut Butter, Jelly And Bread Giveaway Saturday In Dogwood Park
September 11, 2020
Dogwood Baptist Church will be lending a helping hand Saturday to those in need of food with a drive-thru peanut butter, jelly and bread giveaway.
It will take place at the church, 3301 Highway 97 (corner of Highway 97 and Chaudron Road north of Molino), from until 11 a.m. Saturday, or while supplies last.
Attendees should stay in their vehicles, and a volunteer to take the food to the vehicles. Everyone in the community is welcome.
File photo.
UWF Receives Gift To Create A School Of Music
September 11, 2020
The University of West Florida announced a gift to rename the Department of Music. An anonymous contribution has established the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music in memory of the first chair of the music department.
“This incredibly generous and forward-looking gift will enhance our ability to provide the very best music education for our students,” UWF President Martha D. Saunders said. “I expect great things from the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music.”
The majority of the gift will establish a needs-based scholarship endowment for students in the School of Music and members of the Argo Athletic Band. The remaining funds will allow the school to fulfill its five-year plan and work toward long-term goals of establishing a symphony orchestra, an opera program, a piano series and a graduate program.
“This gift is transformational for our music students,” said Dr. Sheila Dunn, associate professor and chair of the music department. “It will put UWF on the map, creating visibility and recognition for our faculty and students.”
Dunn emphasized the need for higher education opportunities in music to serve talented young musicians in Pensacola and beyond.
“As a Pensacola native, it’s a unique honor to shepherd this incredible gift,” she said. “I know how talented the young musicians are in our area. We have some of the best choral and band programs in the nation right here in the surrounding districts. Young people in our area are immersed in education programs from the Pensacola Opera, Pensacola Symphony, Pensacola Children’s Chorus and other area arts organizations.
“These young musicians are passionate about serious music-making and giving back to the community. I envision this gift drawing students to our program from around the nation and the world, while also having a major impact on those from our local community.”
The UWF music department offers three undergraduate degree programs—Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Outside Field. The B.A. in Music and Outside Field allows students an opportunity to prepare for employment in a variety of disciplines including music, the humanities, education, health and STEM fields.
Williams founded the UWF music department in 1967 and helped it earn national accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music in 1971. He served as chair of the department for 25 years. For 17 years, he also served as principal conductor of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Williams invited local school teacher Susan Pote to assemble a group of children to accompany the orchestra for choral pieces in 1990, which led to the formation of the standalone Pensacola Children’s Chorus. Williams encouraged others to strive for excellence and made immense contributions to the University and community.
“It is an honor and a joy to know that I worked with Dr. Williams as a young singer in the first Pensacola Symphony Children’s Chorus,” Dunn said. “His name evokes fond memories of a great man, musician and leader in everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
The Deadline Is Less Than A Month Away To Register To Vote In The General Election
September 11, 2020
The deadline to register to vote in the general election is less than a month away.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David H. Stafford is reminding voters that Monday, October 5 is the last day to register to vote for the November 3 general election. Florida law mandates that registration books close 29 days before an election. New registrations must be completed and received or postmarked no later than October 5 for them to be effective for the November 3 election. Address changes can be made after the books close. If you are unsure of your registration status, visit EscambiaVotes.gov and click Am I Registered? to verify your status or call the Supervisor of Elections office.
scambia County citizens have several ways to register to vote or update their record:
Online: Simply go to EscambiaVotes.gov to register to vote, or to update or change your current registration, including your address or party affiliation. It’s a quick and secure way to make sure you are ready to vote.
In Person: You can register at the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, in downtown Pensacola, at any Florida Driver’s License Office, public library, and several other governmental offices and public assistance centers. Registration forms are also available to pick up at many locations countywide. For a complete list of locations throughout Escambia County, visit EscambiaVotes.gov or call or e-mail the Elections Office.
By Mail: Visit EscambiaVotes.gov and complete, print, and sign the online application. Be sure to include a valid Florida Driver’s License or Florida ID number, or if you have neither, the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number in the appropriate space. Completed applications must be received or postmarked no later than October 5. Mail to: Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591-2601, or take the completed application to the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, in downtown Pensacola. To have a form mailed to you, call (850) 595-3900 or e-mail the Elections Office (soe@escambiavotes.com).
Vote-By-Mail Requests Still Being Accepted
For voters who wish to cast a ballot by mail, requests are being accepted until 5 p.m. on October 24. Requesting a vote-by-mail ballot is fast and easy. Here are a few ways to do it: go to EscambiaVotes.gov and complete the online request form, call or e-mail the elections office or send a signed, written request to: Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591. Be sure to include your date of birth and address when requesting a ballot. Voters can return their ballot by mail, by hand delivery to the Supervisor of Elections office, or to a drop box at any early voting site during the early voting period. Return postage on vote-by-mail ballots for the General Election has be paid by the Supervisor of Elections office.
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.