In Memoriam
Maia Leonardo, 28
Devoted to improving lives of the marginalized
COOPERSTOWN – Maia Leonardo died unexpectedly on August 30, 2021 at age 28. Born in Philadelphia, PA, to Kathleen and James Leonardo, she grew up in Cooperstown, NY before relocating to New Haven.
A tireless activist, Maia devoted her life to improving the lives of marginalized communities, especially in her beloved New Haven. She was involved in countless organizing efforts and offered help wherever she saw a need. Maia was particularly proud of her work with Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit serving the transgender and gender-nonconforming community, where she most recently served as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors.
Maia was also an avid musician, creating and performing music under the name juno hawke. Interested in computer science and graphic design, Maia loved her work in Development at the New Haven Pride Center and in IT at Central Connecticut State University. She is survived by her parents, her sister Anne, her beloved cat Leon, and a host of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trans Lifeline at translifeline.org.
A virtual remembrance for Maia’s family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 5 at 4 pm. Please contact Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home at 607-547-8231 or peterdeysenroth@hotmail.com for information.
Maia was a resolute and determined force for change, she will be deeply missed. It was my pleasure to work alongside her at Trans Lifeline during her tenure in which she touched many lives. Sending condolences and wishes for healing and peace to family and loved ones during this time.
If anyone who has been affected by this loss is needing to talk, please reach out to Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. We are available to talk with friends and loved ones confidentially, by request.
Solidarity,
K
Maia, thank you for everything you did for marginalized people, and for educating me. I wish you were still alive – I think there’s so much more that you could have contributed to the world, and I know you’ll be missed desperately.
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Maia’s passing. I don’t quite know how to feel or what to say. She was such a force for change. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.
Maia, you will be remembered and missed.
maia, thank you for believing in me. you watched me improve, and i’m going to keep doing so. thank you for seeing things in me before i was capable of seeing them in myself. i will carry you with me for as long as i live.
Maia, you are truly deeply loved and missed by so many of us. You truly touched so many lives in ways that none of us could ever fathom. I will continue to speak of you with loving kindness and hope that you are sleeping peacefully and at rest. Continue to shine your light so brightly in a world that always feels so dim and we will meet again in the next lifetime. You are loved forever and always!
Maia was a Beautiful Mind. She was smart and funny.
It was an honor to know her.