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.