Carolyn Pushman Leaver, a former retired diocesan employee, died Oct. 30 at age 85.
Funeral services will be held Nov. 10 with visitation at 10 a.m. in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church, Hamilton. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton
Mrs. Leaver was born in Trenton in 1941 and resided there until 1958 when she moved to Yardville Heights. She was a graduate of Cathedral High School, Trenton.
Following her high school graduation, she began her career in the Diocese of Trenton as a secretary in the Office of the Bishop. She went on to serve the Diocese for nearly 50 years devoting a majority of those decades to supporting the Office of the Diaconate which later became the Office of Priest and Clergy Personnel.
In 2011, Mrs. Leaver was presented with the Benemerenti Medal by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. The award was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI and is conferred on persons who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community. The word “benemerenti,” which means “to a well deserving person,” is on the back of the medal, surrounded by a crown of oak leaves; the ribbon is made of papal colors, yellow and white.
In 1925, the concept of awarding the medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the Church, both civil and military, lay and clergy alike, became acceptable.
Mrs. Leaver was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Norman E. Leaver Jr., her parents, Charles and Marie Pushman, her in-laws, brother and brother-in-law.
She is survived by her daughter Diana (Alexander) McGowan and her son, Norman (Christina) Leaver III; five grandchildren; a brother, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Flowers may be sent to St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church, 3500 South Broad St., Hamilton. Memorial contributions may also be sent to the parish or to Greenwood House, 53 Walter St., Ewing, N.J. 08628.