Jean M. Leech

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

Born January 10, 1930, daughter to Oran & 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. Milneworth

Jean was a renaissance woman in such a way 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 life-long 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 feet 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, 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, Virginia, Joey (Bahar) Parker of Morristown, New Jersey, Tim (Hailey) Parker of New Castle, Robert (Shelby) Leech of Fenelton, Daniel Leech of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jennifer ( Brian ) Chelko of Apollo. 

17 Great Grandchildren- Jacob, Emma Broman; Jack, Jesse, Livie Ort; Jonathan Seavers; Dylan, Brandon Gadley; Kallie, Alyssa Simmons; Warren, Weston Parker; Addy Parker; Izabella Leech; Charlotte, Jason, Juliet Chelko. 

Daughter in Law, Patricia Leech, and her first husband Frank Koladish. She held her numerous nieces & nephews close to her heart, she also had a soft spot for her great grand nephew.

In Jean’s final days, she found comfort in Psalms 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 December 8, 1965; sister Janet M. Hooks; brothers Robert R. Peat , Richard W. Peate, Chalmer D. Peat, James J. Peate, Harland A. Peat, Edward F. Peat, Thomas L. Peat; and a stepson Robert P. Leech. 

Friends will be received at the HIle Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora-Fenelton Road, Chicora, from 5-8 p.m. Sunday and from 10-11 a.m. on Monday. 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, PO Box 838, Kittanning, PA 16201. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

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