It is with heavy hearts that our grandmother Jean F. Leach passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home at 7:09 am on September 1, 2023, with her granddaughter Lora by her side the entire time.
Our grandmother was born December 25, 1926, to Andrew and Helen (nee Szabek) Podgorski in New Lenox, Illinois. She met the love of her life, Donald Francis Leach and they married on April 26, 1944. Our grandfather preceded her in death Aug 25, 1997. They had 3 sons during their marriage, Thomas Donald Leach, David Allen Leach & Donald Francis Leach Jr.
Surviving our grandmother, Jean, are her grandchildren, Lora Leach (Goreville), David Leach (Christina Parker) of Marion & Leslie (Ricky)Lantrip of Cambria. As well as great-grandsons, Cody Reed of Goreville, Tyler Reed of Carbondale, and Zachary Orr of Eldorado. And last but not least, her 2 favorite little red-heads, her great-great-granddaughters Sophia & Carly Reed of Crab Orchard.
Proceeding Jean in death are her parents, sisters Irene Lafferty & Helen Conway, half-brothers Ed and Bruno Podgorski, her husband Donald, and her sons, Thomas, David & Donald. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Mary Jewell, who was more of a daughter to her than a daughter-in-law. As well as her best friend of over 50 years, Irene Winings. She was also preceded in death by many other family members as well.
While there will be no services per our grandmother’s wishes, she was cremated and her remains will be buried at Maplewood Cemetery in New Lenox, IL next to her husband and sons in the near future.
Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale entrusted with arrangements.
Leave a Condolence