Frances Lucille Leer

September 27, 1934 - June 18, 2020

Frances Lucille Leer, 85, a resident of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Indianapolis, IN, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020 in Fort Myers. She was born September 27, 1934 in St. Louis, MO to Edward and Agnes Costello. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerry, four sisters and two brothers.

She attended Maryville College of the Sacred Heart in St. Louis, MO.  She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary and Christ the King Churches in Indianapolis, and volunteered with many organizations including: Kiwanis, Village of Merici, Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul.

Frances met the love of her life, Jerry Harmon Leer, in high school where their beautiful love story began and continued with a marriage that lasted over fifty-nine years until his death in 2016. Along with her deep religious faith, it was the love and caring for her husband and children that were most important in her life. Friends and family will most remember Frances for her infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor.

She is survived by her seven loving children, Kerry Tarpey (Michael) of CA, Kathy Leer of CO, Kelly Jacobs (Eric) of MA, Ellen Leer of IN, David Leer of IN, Jill Schneider (Bradd) of MN, and Daniel Leer (Julie) of NC; her cherished grandchildren and great granddaughter, along with her wonderful nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.

A mass will be held in Indianapolis at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Frances Lucille Leer are suggested to the Village of Merici, 5707 Lawton Loop E., Indianapolis, IN 46216.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Dianne Williams Jun 24, 2020 at 9:14 am

    Kathy and family,
    What a beautiful obituary. What a beautiful women. Kathy you look so much like your Mom. Love you. Dianne

  2. Ann Thackray (Morrison) Jun 24, 2020 at 10:11 am

    To all of my Leer cousins I am so sorry and so sad. Aunt Frances was one of a kind, just hearing her voice could make you smile from ear to ear! Her warmth and laughter were unmatched. So many Great memories of our Moms and all the Costellos together. What a welcome she must have had in Heaven! ! Big .hugs to all. Love, Ann

  3. Jayne Hunkler-Swallow Jun 24, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    I’ve heard so much about your mom over the years, I’m sorry I never got to meet her. She sounds like the kind of mom every kid would love to have. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with this tremendous loss.

  4. Linda Costello Jones Jun 24, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    I would recognize her beautiful and loving smile anywhere. Such a loss but have wonderful memories of her and her love for extended family.

  5. Elizabeth Costello Jun 24, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    Before I Mattie’s Ed, she took me to an ice cream shop on 38th street and bought me my first banana split. It was an introduction to the family. She was filled with laughter

  6. Elizabeth Costello Jun 24, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    Before I Married Ed, she took me to an ice cream shop on 38th street and bought me my first banana split. It was an introduction to the family. She was filled with laughter

  7. tom costello Jun 24, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    I was so surprised and sorry to hear about Aunt Frances. I have always remembered her as a bright, engaging, warm person who made me feel at ease from the time I was a young boy. She was the last of a wonderful group of siblings who certainly kept our Grandpa and Grandma Costello on their toes for years. My love to all the Leers at this sad time.

  8. Ann &.Peter Bourque Jun 24, 2020 at 11:24 pm

    My second mom <3
    I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of Mrs. Leer's passing. Jill, we are sending all of our love. Your mom was an amazing woman…beautiful, funny, loving, generous…and always had that gorgeous smile! I wish we could take your pain away. You are all in our prayers.
    Much love. xoxo

  9. Rie Sylvester Jun 25, 2020 at 9:59 am

    To my wonderful cousins, Kerry, Kathy, Kelly, Ellen, David, Jill, and Danny — Aunt Fran was just the very BEST. She always had a warm hug and a big smile when she’s greeted you – usually followed by a funny story, she knew how to make you laugh. So many beautiful memories I have of her and all of you. Prayers will continue for your healing, I know how much you all miss both your mom and your dad, but now they are together in heaven with so many of the Costello gang🥰.
    Love to All. Rie

  10. Katie Popplewell Jun 26, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    Leer cousins,
    I have so many beautiful memories of your mom&dad. They were the kindest sweetest people who could always make you laugh out loud. Babysitting the 7 of you was rarely a challenge as Kerry was the enforcer if any of you got out of line!! And after you all went to bed there were always chocolate treats in the cabinets-just like all the Costello kitchens!
    One of the fondest memories is when Fran and Agnes took me to Glendale mall with them. They took turns pushing each other in the shopping carts and howling like only those girls could do. It was hilariously funny.
    Know that we all mourn with you. It’s doubly hard when you lose your second parent. Cling to each other and Jesus. For we will all be reunited one day and stroll around with them in a shopping cart laughing out loud.
    Prayers and love continually sent your way.
    Katie Akin Popplewell

  11. Gayle Eshowsky Bernstein Jun 26, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    Dear Kerry, Kathy, Kelly and the rest of the Leer kids, I saw your Mom’s obituary in the Indpls Star and felt so sad. As your next door neighbor on 54th Street, I hold many dear memories of visiting your Mom and all of you after school (I think practically every day!), as well as babysitting for you even when you moved to Guilford Ave. It seems like yesterday but I am now a grandmother of four wonderful granddaughters, as well as the mom of two terrific daughters. I don’t know where the time has gone but my memories of all of you are filled with warmth, love and affection. I even remember your grandmother and your Dad’s Mom. I can clearly see them both in my mind’s eye, even though at times it seems as though I can’t remember much of anything else these days!

    Your Mom, especially, and your Dad were always so welcoming to me. Kerry, you were always so quiet and, along with the rest of your siblings, you were so well behaved. After having my own daughters, I often wondered how your Mom sat so calmly in her living room chair and none of you kids ever interrupted her during our conversations and life was so calm at your home!

    Do you remember when you told us that “Giggles ate the guck,” Wiggles was our dog who grabbed your duck through the fence and, sadly, that was the end of your “guck.” We were in disbelief but the remaining feathers proved that something bad had, indeed, happened to your family pet.

    Please know that I’ve talked about and thought about all of your over the years, hoping that you were all well, even if you don’t remember me. My sympathies to every one of you at the loss of your dear, sweet Mom. She was a wonderful, kind person and you were so lucky she was your Mom and we were so lucky to have you as neighbors. My brother, Jeff, also remembers your Mom fondly and sends his sympathy as well, With much caring, Gayle.

  12. Lee McLaughlin Jun 27, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    I knew Fran for only a short time after I married Dr. John McLaughlin in 1974. The Leers lived next door to us and were such wonderful neighbors. I remember her as a sweet, loving lady — a wonderful mother and wife. When we moved to the Greenwood area, the whole family pitched in and helped us move. I’ll never forget their kindness. Much love to all the Leer children, who are now adults, and to your families.

  13. Chip Corbin Jun 29, 2020 at 11:47 am

    Dear Leer family,
    I want you to know how special your mom was to me. She was my friend and she took me in and treated me like family. I had so many great times with your mom and she absolutely loved to pull tricks on me and it worked every time. I want you all to know that I am so sorry for your loss. Words can’t convey how deep that sorrow is and how much I will miss her. Thank you for sharing her with me.

  14. Carol Meyers Jun 29, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    My friendship with Fran was too brief, but I am so blessed to have had her in my life. There are some individuals that leave you a much better person. And in that, Fran was a model of excellence. In her smile, in her laugh, in her joy of life. Those things will never leave. I’ll always have Fran in my heart. I am grieving – not for Fran who is enriching Heaven – but for myself and for the Leer family. But then I hear Fran’s voice, like a clarion bell, admonish me: “Girlfriend, now everything is going to work out fine!” With love and healing to Kathy and the Leer family.

  15. Mary Matus Jul 7, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    Dear Cousins,
    It is heartbreaking to think of you loosing your amazing Mother, Aunt Frances held a place totally her own in that family of fantastic Costello’s! Her beauty, laughter, joy, and energy is missed by all who shared in her enormous generosity and love. My memories make me laugh and go back to a time in life we all cherish! What a legacy of love your parents leave you. My prayers and love to you all…

Leave a Reply to Ann Thackray (Morrison)