Leech

Jean M. Leech, 94 years old, of Fenelton, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the home of her granddaughter Jessica, in Virginia, following a brief illness.

Born Jan. 10, 1930, daughter to Oran and Elsie Faye (Guthrie) Peat, in Peat Hollow, Worthington, Jean was the last surviving member of her family.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” — A.A. Milne

Jean was a Renaissance woman, in that she perfected many things in her long life. As an entrepreneur, she excelled in many business ventures, notably The Junque Shoppe in Worthington and the Worthington Pizza & More Shop which she co-owned with her sister, Janet. Jean mastered the food service industry by providing excellent service at The Main Restaurant and Summit Dinner in Butler and at Falsetti’s Villa in Ford City. Her employment with the Villa served as a lifelong enjoyment, even after her retirement. Jean always had a story about her time at the Villa, a laugh to share or a fond memory, she even once took a trip to Hawaii with her co-workers, describing it as a dream come true.

One of Jean’s favorite things to do was collect antiques. Yard sales were a must, as she looked for the perfect vintage figurine, glass vase or furniture piece to add to her collection. She kept herself busy as a league bowler and avid bingo player, which she played with her daughter Jeannie. Jean loved to garden and kept the outside of her house a perennial paradise, with her infamous 8-foot-tall caster bean plants. Her favorite flowers were roses and marigolds. In her later days, she could be found watching WWE wrestling with her beloved dog, Stella, drinking Ovaltine and spending sunny days on the porch under the Tiki umbrella.

Jean’s greatest accomplishment was the family that she cherished, and she excelled in her role as the matriarch. Her three daughters, Karen (Ted) Edwards of Fenelton, Kathy (Duane) Roofner of Worthington and Jeannie (John) Aber of Natrona Heights; and son, LaMoine (Carrie) Leech of Fenelton, were her most precious gift. She loved them unconditionally. The Peat family reunion was one of the most important days of every year, and nothing gave her greater joy than talking proudly of her children.

As a grandmother, Jean was known affectionately as “Geebaw.” Her home was always opened to anyone who walked through the door. She would offer them pancakes or a cheeseburger and a glass of Ovaltine. She loved to cook and would often make large batches of bean soup or chocolate cake with peanut butter icing to distribute to her family.

She leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Amy (Bill) Broman of Butler, Kristin (Mark) Ort of Saxonburg, Sherry (Dandy) Gadley of Worthington, Wendy (Kriss) Simmons of Butler, Marion (Chris) Seavers of Worthington, Jessica (Zachary) Pyle of Ashburn, Va., Joey (Bahar) Parker of Morristown, N.J., Tim (Hailey) Parker of New Castle, Robert (Shelby) Leech of Fenelton, Daniel Leech of Chattanooga, Tenn. and Jennifer (Brian) Chelko of Apollo; 17 great-grandchildren, Jacob and Emma Broman, Jack, Jesse and Livie Ort, Jonathan Seavers, Dylan and Brandon Gadley, Kallie and Alyssa Simmons, Warren and Weston Parker, Addy Parker, Izabella Leech and Charlotte, Jason and Juliet Chelko; daughter-in-law, Patricia Leech; and her first husband, Frank Koladish. She held her numerous nieces and nephews close to her heart, she also had a soft spot for her great-grandnephew.

In Jean’s final days, she found comfort in Psalm 23:5, “ … my cup runneth over.” A very fitting verse to describe the era that was Jean Leech; full of love, full of life, and eternally blessed.

In addition to parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Robert H. Leech, whom she married Dec. 8, 1965; sister, Janet M. Hooks; brothers, Robert, Richard, Chalmer, James, Harland, Edward and Thomas; and a stepson, Robert P. Leech.

LEECH — Friends of Jean M. Leech, who died Wednesday, March 20, 2024, will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at HILE FUNERAL HOME OF CHICORA, 339 Chicora-Fenelton Road, Chicora. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Monday, with the Rev. Mark Wallace, pastor of the Chicora Alliance Church, officiating. Interment will be in Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora.

Memorial contributions may be made to Orphans of the Storm, P.O. Box 838, Kittanning, PA 16201.

For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.