Leea Barbara (Kemp) Sterling

'Living in Grace’

Leea Sterling of Haverhill, MA, passed away peacefully at age 80 on October 31, 2025, at High Pointe Hospice House. Leea was born to Richard and Barbara Sterling and grew up in a loving family. She was named by her father for a genus of plants that are native to parts of central Africa, tropical Asia, Australia and Melanesia. Leea had many fond memories of growing up with her older brother Richard and two younger sisters Ann and Joleen. She graduated from Masconomet Regional High School and continued on to receive her teaching degree from Gordon College, Wenham, MA. She taught at Howe-Manning Elementary School in Middleton, MA–which she also attended growing up. She also worked at Hilltop Preschool in Haverhill for many years. 

Leea was the best of mothers to her daughter Rebecca and son Chuck. She will also be lovingly remembered by her two grandsons: Seth and Caplin. Rebecca–the artist in the family–claims that many of her creative instincts came from her mom. Chuck–the peacemaker– inherited his mother’s compassionate heart for those in need. One of Leea’s goals in life was to see her children happily married…and they are. 

Leea loved teaching, singing, traveling, dancing, country western music, flowers, Jeopardy, and rooting for the Red Sox. She had an eye for style and enjoyed coordinating her outfits when she dressed up. She also celebrated every holiday and decorated her home according to the season. In true Sterling fashion, Leea had a fun way of making up words and phrases. Anytime someone would show affection, she would say, “What a mush!” Or when someone would stub a toe she would call it a “Killah Magillah.”

In life, Leea thought of herself as a “Grace Girl.” She lived by the principle of kindness and was always willing to lend a quiet helping hand in whatever way she could. She was independent and generous and a believer in people even when they were ready to give up on themselves. She was an encourager who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, with Words of Remembrance to beginning at 4:00 PM. Leea’s niece, Kalthleen Albie, will be officiating. A private interment will take place in Oakdale Cemetery at a later date. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com.

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