Barbara E. Leitzell, 92, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully at Mt. Nittany Medical Center on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Born on June 30, 1933, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Homer J. Saxion and Luella M. (Hastings) Justice. On April 15, 1955. she married James W. Leitzell, who preceded her in death on March 13, 1979.
Barbara was a 1951 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and went on to graduate in 1955 from the Lock Haven School of Nursing, where she earned her Registered Nurse license in 1955. She began her nursing career at Centre Community Hospital in Bellefonte, working in the Nursery Department before dedicating herself fully to raising her family and caring for her home. Barbara returned to the workforce after her children were grown until her retirement. She moved to Florida to live in 1986 before returning to Bellefonte in 2004.
Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved puzzle books and television detective and quiz shows, especially Jeopardy! She was known for her remarkably sharp mind and quick wit well into her nineties. An avid reader and devoted cat lover, she cherished the companionship of her many beloved cats through the years, with her most recent cat, Abe, remaining faithfully by her side.
Barbara is survived by her three children: Mary Ellen Lewis and her husband, Timothy, of Bellefonte; James Paul Leitzell and his wife, Carmen, of Pembroke Pines, Florida; and Laurel Jeanne Leitzell of Bellefonte. She is also survived by six grandchildren: David Lewis (Shaina), Meredith Lewis, Alex Bonenfant, James Lewis (Megan), Michael Lewis (Damaris), and Sarah Dupler (Jon); as well as three great-grandchildren: Alex, Eloise, and Bennett.
In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Joycelyn A. (Leitzell) Bonenfant, and two sisters, Paula J. Hyde and Shirley Andrews.
Barbara remained a faithful servant of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a member of Good Shepherd Evangelical Church in
State College, PA.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, 851 W. Science Park Road, State College. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Bryan Spang officiating. Barbara will be laid to rest privately beside her husband, James, at Union Cemetery in Bellefonte.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. in Milesburg, Pennsylvania. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences shared with the family through the funeral home’s website.