Mary Jean Leech

Mary Jean Leech Marion- Mary Jean Leech, 86, of Marion passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 1:50 PM at Marion Rehab & Nursing Center. Funeral services for Mary will be held on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Marion, where she faithfully attended, with the Reverend Ken Burgard officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2011 from 10:00 AM until time of service at the Church. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church or to one of the donor’s choice. Envelopes are available during the services or may be sent C/O Blue Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Mary Jean was born on February 12, 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA to Homer & Mary (Curtis) Taylor. She married Bertram Leech on April 8, 1978 in North Brook, IL; he survives. Mary is survived by her loving husband; children, M. Christine Bach, Cynthia Bach Phillips, Edward Bach, Jr., John Bach,and Thomas Bach; step-children, Nancy McKeand, Lawrence Leech and Craig Leech; grandchildren; step-grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Being very gifted, Mary achieved her PHD in Psychology from Northwestern University as well as Phi Beta Kappa. Some of her accomplishments include valuable studies on the effects of anesthesia on operating personnel at Northwestern Hospital. She wrote the original Broker’s Training Manual for the newly formed Chicago Exchange, was the Executive Director for the Lake County, IL YWCA for several years and taught calculus and other related subjects at the Lake Forest, IL Graduate School of Management. After moving to Marion in 1991, Mary worked for TCT Television answering viewer correspondence. In retirement, Mary and her husband, Bert, enjoyed activities at the Marion Senior Center; playing cards, soaking up the entertainment and the delicious food.