Dhimitra (Pani) Leka

SALISBURY — Dhimitra (Pani) Leka, 92, recently of Salisbury, departed this life for life eternal on May 9, 2011. Dhimitra Leka was born Oct. 23, 1918, the cherished daughter of the late Athanas and Thomaida Pani of Korca, Albania. Raised and educated there, she became very accomplished as a designer and maker of handmade rugs, silk embroidered tablecloths, finely crocheted tablecloths and bedspreads. She left Albania in 1937 for America to marry Theodore M. Leka. He was her beloved husband for 35 years. They first lived in New York City and then she became a longtime resident of Bridgeport, Conn. She later moved to Monroe, Conn.Wherever she lived, Mrs. Leka surrounded her family with fragrant gardens of roses, lilacs and fruit trees. Her children and their families were her greatest joy, and she blessed them with untiring and unending love, gentleness and devotion. Mrs. Leka was a humble and caring person who will be remembered for lovingly giving wise advice on many subjects, especially encouraging everyone she met to pray to God. She was a devout member of St. George’s Orthodox Church in Trumbull, Conn., and later attended All Saints of America Orthodox Church in Salisbury. She was also a member of the Teuta Ladies Society.In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two sisters; three brothers; and her beloved son, Michael R. Leka.Mrs. Leka is survived by Michael’s wife, Lillian Leka of Stratford, Conn.; her sons, Paul Leka and his wife, Engjellushe, of Sharon and George Leka and his wife, Geraldine, of Trumbull; her daughter, Evelyn Leka Kreta and her husband, the Very Rev. John J. Kreta, of Sharon; her grandchildren, Michelle, Derek, Heather, Alexander, Justin, Lindsay, Julianna, Joseph and Matthew; her great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, Lauren and Ryan; and many nieces and nephews, including relatives in Albania.A funeral service was held May 14 at St. George’s Orthodox Church. Burial followed at the Lakeview Cemetery in Bridgeport. The Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon has charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be sent to St. George’s Orthodox Church and/or All Saints of America Orthodox Church.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less