Leonore Albertine Templeton

Leonore Albertine Templeton, 93
March 28, 1932 – June 5, 2025

Leonore Albertine Templeton, 93, of Woodbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Leonore led a vibrant and extraordinary life, shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong devotion to the arts. She was born on March 28, 1932, in Mannheim, Germany, to Hans and Marie Louise Hettinger. After completing school, she worked as an au pair across Europe, gaining fluency in five languages and developing the worldly poise that would define her life.

In 1953, she met her future husband, Robert Templeton, an American soldier and muralist stationed near Mannheim during the Korean War. They married in a church in Seckenheim on August 8, 1954. A year later, Leonore joined Robert in Manhattan, where she worked as a secretary for the president of a New York shipping company while Robert studied at the Art Students League. Their life together was rooted in creativity, cultural exploration, and family.

Their first son, Mark, was born in Manhattan in 1961. In 1963, the family relocated to Iowa, where sons Kevin and Tim were born in 1963 and 1964, respectively. Robert’s career as an artist blossomed during this time, capturing the American spirit through bold, expressive portraiture and scenes from the Civil Rights movement and U.S. politics.

In 1965, the family settled in Woodbury, Connecticut. There, Leonore restored a colonial home and became the gracious host of a thriving cultural salon. Friends and guests included writers William Styron and Arthur Miller, and businessman Malcolm “Mac” Baldrige, who would later serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce. These gatherings were filled with spirited debate, music, and conversation, reflecting the Templetons’ belief in the power of art to engage civic life.

Robert’s work eventually brought the couple to the White House, where they met President Jimmy Carter while Robert painted his portrait. Leonore would also meet other notable figures her husband portrayed, including Hubert Humphrey, Donald Regan, and Styron.

Leonore’s dedication to the arts extended beyond her home. In 1989, she helped launch the annual Picnic and Pops concert series with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. The first concert was held in 1990, and the tradition continues this July 12 with its 31st season at Woodbury Hollow Park. She also co-created The Classical Music Hour on WATR Waterbury, curating programs with her son Mark.

Following Robert’s passing in 1991, Leonore became a tireless advocate for his legacy. She organized national exhibitions of his work, including a landmark show at the U.S. Senate Rotunda celebrating Civil Rights leaders, attended by Betty Shabazz and Congressman John Lewis.

Leonore’s final decades were filled with travel, bridge and French clubs, and time spent with family. She is survived by her sons Mark, Kevin, and Tim; granddaughter Erika Templeton; and her brother Hans-Herbert Hettinger.
She leaves behind a legacy of grace, culture, and enduring artistic spirit.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life from 2-4PM on July 12, at the Templeton family home at 197 Carmel Hill Road, Woodbury, CT. The celebration will continue later that day at the Woodbury Hollow Park where the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra will honor Leonore.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via check made to "WSO" and mailed to
Waterbury Symphony Orchestra
500 Chase Parkway, Unit 4C
Waterbury, CT 06708

Please include on memo line: "In memory of Leonore Templeton"

OR, donations can be made online via the following link:
https://waterbury-symphony-orchestra.square.site/product/wso-donate/11

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