Leila Darlene Hemming

Rye - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leila “Nonnie” Darlene Hemming (Leonard). Leila passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's on January 14th, 2026. She was born on May 20th, 1946 in Rome, NY where she was raised by her parents, alongside her siblings. She went on to attend Oriskany high school where she fell in love with the love of her life, Terrence "Poppie" Layton Hemming. Defying all odds at a young age, they eloped in South Carolina and went on to celebrate over 61 years of marriage together. The two of them created eight children who blessed them with 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Together, Leila and Terry created the life they always dreamed of. The two would always look at each other throughout the years and say "Look what we started." Eventually, a job opportunity brought most of the family to New Hampshire where they quickly formed lifelong friendships and developed deep ties within their community. Leila was an amazing, strong-willed woman who was born to be a nurturer. Blessed with beauty, an infectious smile, and a warm heart, Leila won over the hearts of everyone she met. There seemed to be nothing she couldn't do; whether it was making her children's clothing, crocheting blankets for all the new babies, cooking delicious meals for her large family, painting masterpieces, or mending a broken heart. Leila made motherhood look effortless. She was lovingly known as "Nonnie", not only by her grandchildren but by nearly everyone who had the privilege of loving her. This includes the many local children she cared for through her in-home daycare. She had a gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed, as though they were a part of her big, crazy family - That was her specialty. Above all else, Leila believed that family is everything. She always put her loved ones first and treasured time spent together. Leila could never sit still or sit at all, for that matter. Leila was deeply devoted to serving others. For many years, she was an active member and President of the Rye Lions Club and the Rye Women’s Association, and she served as President of the Our Town Committee, organizing countless events for the Rye community. She generously gave her time and energy to her community, her friends, and her family; always placing the needs of others before her own. In her later years, Leila and Terry enjoyed taking drives to Rye beach with their beloved fur-babies; stopping for fried clams at Bobs or ice cream at Beach Plum. These outings became especially meaningful following her diagnosis. No matter what, they were always together, rarely ever apart. After the sudden loss of the love of her life this past April, it became very clear that their two hearts were never meant to be apart for long. Though our hearts are aching, we take comfort in knowing that Leila is now resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father, and is reunited with her soulmate, Terry, and all the loved ones that passed on before her, including her cherished fur-babies. Everything we know we learned from Mom. From cooking to cleaning, to folding laundry perfectly, advocating fiercely for our children and always being right (even when we are wrong). We were always taught that family comes first, no matter what, and her legacy of love will live on through all who knew her. We know that Mom and Dad are dancing in heaven where their love story continues. Pleasant dreams Mom; we love you. Leila is survived by her eight children, Brenda (Michael) King, Michelle Marsh (Kevin Edick), Mary Ann (Brian) Short, Patrick (Tina) Hemming, Jamie (Julia) Hemming, Jennifer (Kevin) Craft, Johanna (Eddie) Jackman, and Jonathan Hemming; Her 20 grandchildren, Matthew Crandall, Ryanne (Tory) Bianchi, Jason (Valerie) Crandall, Kelsey (Matthew) Adams, Stephanie (Zak) Snyder, Joshua (Sarah) Crandall, Brandon Marsh, Connor Marsh, Nolan Marsh, Layton Hemming, Nathan King, Ethan Hemming, Caleb Hemming, Nicholas Hemming, Scarlett Ross, Mason Craft, Noelle Hemming, Landon Craft, Savannah Jackman, Darrel (Lauren) Short; Her 16 great-grandchildren, Summer, Madelyn, Jackson, Benny, Leila, Lily, Daisy, Violet, Owen, Skyler, Myles, Jack, Brayden, Emelia, Logan, and Sophia. Leila is pre-deceased by her loving husband, Terrence "Poppie" Layton Hemming, her father, Herbert Augustus Leonard, her mother, Edith Grace Leonard (Furney), her brothers "Art" Davis, "Tommy" Davis, "Eddie" Davis, Owen Davis and sister "Mona" Davis. She is also predeceased by her father-in-law Frederick Hemming and her mother-in-law Edna Hemming (Mitchell). Our family would like to thank the angels on Earth who cared for Leila/Nonnie at Watson Fields in Dover. We couldn't have done it without you and your love for our Mom. And she loved you all so much. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Leila for a period of visitation on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842. Leila’s funeral Mass will take place on Monday, January 19th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Parish, 820 Central Road, Rye Beach, NH 03871. Burial to follow in Central Cemetery, 20 Central Road, Rye, NH 03870. To attend the Mass remotely please click here on the day and time of the service.

Leila Darlene Hemming

May 20, 1946 - January 14, 2026