Ms. Leonides Correa Obituary in Columbus at Progressive Funeral Home

Obituary For Ms. Leonides Correa

Leonides Correa (Leonides Puig Montalvo), affectionately known as “Lee”, departed this life on Thursday, April 23, at the ripe age of 90. She was born in Havana, Cuba, to the late Oscar Puig Leal and Amelia Montalvo. She excelled in creativity, a graduate in the field of home economics. In 1957, she was honored with the title of Cuban Carnival Queen. It was the first year that two were selected, one non-colored and one colored. After leaving Cuba, she moved to Connecticut, where her fiancé, Eduardo Correa, and his great aunt helped with securing their US Citizenship. They married, moved to Brooklyn, New York, and had three children, one who she treasured in her heart, succumbed to crib death, and two whom have remained with her until her final moments.

Leonides was an astute home-maker, managing her children and assisting with Marconi TV Service, a home-front business owned by her husband. In the 70s, they moved to Orlando, FL, where she continued to serve as a household pillar and became a committed foster parent along with her husband. In the 90s, she retired from Orange County Public Schools, having served as a school nutrition worker. Among her favorite pastimes was sewing, crocheting, and bargain shopping. In her latter years, she apparently became a corn hole legend at Calvary Community.

She attended "La Escuela Cientifico Basilio" for years. Then, she was introduced to Christianity, praying the prayer of salvation. After a dissolved marriage, her new-found faith is where she drew her strength. She lived in Miami for years, where she reunited with friends and family who spent many years building their lives together in New York. She eventually made her home in Columbus and Atlanta, Georgia. Ultimately, she settled in Columbus, rededicated her life to Christ, and was baptized at New Birth Outreach Church, where she bonded with her church family. She spent her last days being cared for by her family, friends, and a team of caretakers at Magnolia Manor.

Leonides is predeceased by her parents, Oscar Puig Leal and Amelia Puig Montalvo, two brothers - Reinaldo Puig Montalvo (Raquel) and Oscar Puig Montalvo Penton, among several significant others. Surviving are two children - Elias Correa and grandchildren, Elizz and Elias; Dina Watts (Jimmy) and grandchildren, Julian and Jaslyn. She is also survived by her sisters - Miriam Puig Montalvo (Juan) and Maria Amelia Puig Montalvo, several nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends in Cuba, Italy, Spain, California, New York, Miami, and throughout.

The Celebration of Life for Ms. Correa will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at New Birth Outreach Church.

Visitation will be on Friday, beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Progressive.

Interment will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734.

Progressive Funeral Home staff considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the Family of Ms. Leonides Correa.

Send flowers to the service of Ms. Leonides Correa