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Jody Leahy Obituary
She was born Jan. 13, 1950, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the daughter of James J. and Lois M. Morgan (nee Halverson). She married Thomas J. Leahy on Sept. 23, 1972, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake.
A native of Crystal Lake for 50 years, Jody graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School in 1968, and the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a bachelor's degree in 1971. Jody passionately taught language arts for almost 20 years in Woodstock School District 200, at Olson and Northwood middle schools, where she was adored by her students.
Jody could fly an airplane, sail a boat, play the piano and ride horses, among other talents and pursuits. She was a member of the National Ski Patrol, the CLHS choir and 1968 homecoming court, a gourmet cook, an aerobics instructor, a Cub Scout den mother and a longtime faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She enjoyed camping, traveling, dining out with her family and took great pleasure in leaving large, unanticipated tips.
She had a fun-loving, bubbly personality, an infectious laugh and a radiant smile. She was a beautiful and unfailingly devoted wife and mother who will be desperately missed.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, Thomas; two children, Sarah Leahy of Chicago and Morgan Leahy of Cincinnati; mother, Lois Morgan of Liberty, Mo.; beloved mother-in-law, Mary A. Leahy (nee Sullivan) of Crystal Lake; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many dear and loving friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, James; and father-in-law, Edward J. Leahy.
The visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at Skaja Bachmann Funeral Home, 7715 West Route 14, Crystal Lake. The visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake.
Memorials may be made in her name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at www.michaeljfox.org; or Provena Hospice, Elgin, c/o 19065 Hickory Creek Drive, Suite 310, Mokena, IL 60448.
For information, call the funeral home at 815-455-2233 or visit www.skajafuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jody Leahy
Ann Ungvarsky
June 11, 2012
Dear Tom, Sarah, and Morgan,
I just heard of Jody's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your beautiful obituary encapsulates so perfectly how I knew Mrs. Leahy as I was growing up across the street from your warm and open home. I will always remember Jody as laughing, smiling, her heart bursting with joy and love of life. I was so lucky to know her. Jody's one of those rare individuals who touches all those around her. What a joy to know that she lives on in all of you. Although this is a sad time, her's is a life worth celebrating. All my love.
June 11, 2012
So sorry for your loss.
Enjoyed seeing Jody and the children at our neighborhood video store, Oak Street Flicks back in the day.
She was always so upbeat and friendly.
The Kratochvils
June 10, 2012
Morgan, My deepest sympathy on your loss. I have fond memories of your mother. Her generous nature showed in all the teaching ideas she would share with me over the years.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Kathleen Patte
Judith Whitman
June 8, 2012
Dear Tom, Morgan and Sarah,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Remember that Jody's love and light is in your hearts forever and now, in celebration of her life, you can continue to pass out that gift to others.
Kim Reed-Deemer
June 5, 2012
I'm very saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Leahy. I was in her first class at Olson Junior High when she was still Miss Morgan. She was a kind and enthusiastic teacher and my memories of being in her class make me smile.
Chris Hohenstein
June 4, 2012
Sarah, sorry to hear the news. I wish you and your family the best.
Cindy Homer-Baron
June 4, 2012
To All the Dear Leahys--
My heart is with each of you at this difficult time with the passing of your very special, precious, and devoted Jody. She was an exceptional person & one whom I also loved & truly enjoyed. May your loving memories of her give each of you comfort and joy in the days ahead as you celebrate the gift of Jody in your lives. We know she is smiling and happy now. xoxo
June 4, 2012
Tom,
I will never forget your devotion to Jody and getting her to worship at Bethany on a regular basis while I served as interim pastor. God bless you and your family.
Rev. Arlyn Tolzmann
Jody Morgan at our wedding in 1971.
Tom Stephani
June 4, 2012
Tom and Family. Gretchen and I are so sorry to hear of Jody's passing. We will always remember the fun we had in high school. Jody was one of Gretchen's bridesmaids at our wedding in 1971. Her infectious smile, good nature, and laugh will always be remembered and missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Emily Mohan
June 4, 2012
I am very sorry to hear of Mrs. Leahy's passing. I was one of her students at Northwood Middle School and she was an amazing teacher and a very caring woman. My sympathies go to her family.
Maria (Vogrinc) Rice
June 4, 2012
My sympathies to the Leahy family. I was a student of Mrs. Leahy at Northwood Middle School. She was a very sweet teacher, and I remember her fondly.
June 4, 2012
Tom and Family,
We just learned of Jody's passing. We will always remember her smiling face and bubbly personality. We have fond memories of truding through the forest to look for that special Christmas tree and then back to your house to enjoy each other's company. We also remember all of the fun times you drove to Sycamore to attend our famous Pumkin Parade.
It is never easy to loose a loved one. Jody is pain free with no worries and heaven has a special place for her. We will never forget her.
Fondly, Pete and Shirley West, Sycamore
Pam Noles
June 4, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Leahy family. I was a former student of hers at Olson Junior High school and Mrs. Leahy was one of my favorite teachers. She will be missed greatly, she was truly one of the best.
Sarah Galbraith
June 4, 2012
I had Mrs. Leahy as a teacher over 15 years ago. She was wonderful, and I'll always remember her.
Greg Ryberg
June 4, 2012
Tom,
Betty and I truly regret Jody's death. After reading the obituary I am confident that she lived her active years to the fullest and made a difference with anyone she came in contact. She truly had to be special. May your family and friends be pillars of support during this time. May our paths cross again.
In U and I,
Greg Ryberg
Charis Bradley
June 4, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Leahy. She was one of my teachers at Olson Middie School and I never forgot her beacuse she was such a great teacher and person. My prayers are with you all at this time
Nancy Sinnott Dwight
June 3, 2012
To Jody's dear family,
Your mother lit up a room and warmed many hearts. We were dear friends in high school and after I moved from CL in 1968, kept in touch. I knew how proud she was of her lovely children and family. She'll love you forever and we'll remember her always. God bless.
Rick Nebel
June 3, 2012
Tom and family
My deepest condolences to you all at this very sad moment in your lives. Jody will be with you all forever and rest assured she is in a much better place now. God bless you all.
Rick Nebel Henderson,nv.
Beth Ems
June 3, 2012
Morgan, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. Although I didn't know her, from this is a beautiful obituary I can tell she loved well and was well loved. My condolences to you all.
Tricia Kaszewicz
June 3, 2012
Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you an your family in our thoughts and prayers.
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