Jane Leazier

LEAZIER, JANE ELLEN (FINCH) Ada Jane Ellen Leazier, 70, of Ada, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior in her home on Monday, December 9, 2013, with her husband and neighbors at her side. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Theresa Spaulding, and son, Clifford, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Clifford; children, Paul (Maureen) Leazier, Joseph (Christina) Leazier; son-in-law, James Spaulding; sisters, Dianne (Richard) La Dow, Susan (James) Lyon; brothers, Frederick (Priscilla) Finch, Anthony (Elizabeth) Finch, Martin (Gerilynn) Finch; brother-in-law, Robert (Jessie) Leazier; sister-in-law, Bernard (Jean) Corpe; mother-in-law, Doris Leazier; grandchildren, Rebecca, Matthew, Joseph, Gabriel, Erika Jane; special grandniece, Hanna Jane; and godmother, Elizabeth Hansen; as well as many nieces and nephews. "Jeannie" was born in 1943 in Grand Rapids, MI and was a 1961 graduate of Godwin High School. She met her husband of 49 years, Clifford, when he moved next door to the Finches. Cliff thinks he married the girl-next-door, but by some accounts, at the behest of Jeannie's mother, she married the boy-next-door. They later moved to Ada where they raised their children, alongside neighbors who are as close as family to this day. She worked many years for Old Kent Bank and later for Ada Township. Very community involved, Cliff and Jeannie volunteered at election boards and the museum, were board members of Ada Historical Society and members of St. Robert of Newminster Parish. Jeannie enjoyed reading, antiquing, all things Tinkerbell, camping (full hook up and casino of course) and her Detroit Tigers (unlike the house by the side of the road, she didn't stand and watch life go by), but her family and friends were her biggest source of pride. Perhaps even more of a delight to her than anything, were her youngest grandchildren, Erika and Gabriel, where she balanced her grandmotherly instinct to completely spoil yet keep their faces and hands clean, quite a task. At a mere hundred pounds and several ounces of disinfectant, she left some big footprints on those she touched. Her unquestioned faith shaped her life and saw her through the loss of baby Cliff and her daughter/best friend, Terri, her survival of cancer and finally, her struggle with ALS - this was a life celebrated. No matter what your picture of an afterlife is, rest assured that it is a much tidier place now. The family would like to extend its gratitude to St. Mary's ALS Clinic, St. Mary's Home Care and Faith Hospice for their exceptional care for Jeannie. Your efforts were a great comfort for her and Cliff. Thanks so much. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, 2 PM at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Ada. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Visitation Thursday, 6-8 PM and one hour prior to the service at church, with the Rosary recited at 8 PM at O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to In the Image, 1823 South Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49507 or Humane Society of Kent County, 3077 Wilson NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534.