In top photo, Father Stephen Sansevere preaches his homily during the funeral Mass for Carolyn Leaver. Mary Stadnyk photos
By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor
Family, friends, clergy and colleagues gathered Nov. 10 at St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church, Hamilton, with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to celebrate the life of Carolyn Pushman Leaver, a diocesan employee whose nearly 50 years of service left a lasting mark on the diocesan community, particularly through her work with the permanent diaconate formation program.
PHOTO GALLERY: Carolyn Leaver Funeral
Mrs. Leaver, who died Oct. 30 at age 85, was remembered during her Mass of Christian Burial as a woman of deep faith, extraordinary kindness and generous love, whose quiet dedication to the Church touched countless lives.
Father Stephen Sansevere, pastor of the Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley, was principal celebrant and homilist. Several priests concelebrated, including those who had worked alongside Mrs. Leaver in the diocesan Office of Deacons and, later, the Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life. Deacons who met her during their formation years also attended. Bishop O’Connell presided over the Final Commendation following Communion.
Loved By Many
In remembering Mrs. Leaver, Bishop O’Connell spoke of the affection he and so many others throughout the Diocese had for her.
“When I saw her picture in the obituary, my heart was deeply moved,” Bishop O’Connell said, recalling her many years of service in the Chancery and her work with the diaconate formation program.
“We loved Carolyn,” he said. “She meant so much to all of us. Today, as we send her home to the Lord, we send her home with much love, gratitude and appreciation.”
Father Sansevere’s homily reflected on how Mrs. Leaver’s faith was central to her life and how she shared it with others through her words and actions.
He began by recalling her baptism at St. Stanislaus Church, Trenton, shortly after her March 23, 1941, birth. At the funeral, the sprinkling of holy water and the lighting of the Paschal candle served as reminders of that first sacrament and the promise of eternal life.
“Her strong faith was always a part of who she was and everything she did,” Father Sansevere said.
The Church, a Part of her Life
Drawing on the teachings of St. Ephrem, Father Sansevere described the love of God as a hidden treasure, received at Baptism but whose value is realized when it is shared with others.
“Carolyn shared that treasure willingly, confidently and with great love,” he said, adding that her professional life was a particularly meaningful expression of that generosity.
Mrs. Leaver was a high school senior when she began working for the Diocese in the Bishop’s Office. She later left her position to marry and raise her family, returning to diocesan service in 1974. He work during the early development of the permanent diaconate program became one of its driving forces.
Through her dedication, organizational skills and personal care, Mrs. Leaver supported generations of men discerning and preparing for the diaconate. Her example and encouragement helped inspire many to pursue a vocation as a deacon, Father Sansevere said.
He also reflected on the life Mrs. Leaver shared with her husband, Norman Leaver, whom she married June 24, 1961. Together, they raised two children and welcomed five grandchildren. Their marriage and family life, he said, were another expression of the love of God they shared with others.
Connecting her life to the Scripture readings proclaimed at the funeral, Father Sansevere spoke of the Christian call to run the race faithfully, fulfilling the purpose God entrusts to each person.
“Mrs. Leaver had answered that call,” he said. Whether serving her family, supporting the clergy or helping form future deacons, she brought God’s love into the world through her daily actions.
“She was a woman of great faith, great love, and great kindness,” he said. “Each and every day she tried her best to do the best. And her best was taking the treasure of God’s love and sharing it with others.”
