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BORN
1951
DIED
2019
Cathy Leach Obituary
Born October 25, 1951, to Yates and Nonnie, Cathy was raised in Richmond, Virginia, where she first discovered her love of dance. She met her next true love, Skip Leach, at the tender age of 19 during a stay at Virginia Beach. The two immediately became inseparable welcoming their first child, Sean, in 1972. After seven years of traveling the world playing music and entertaining with their band "By Appointment Only", Skip and Cathy decided to take roots in the beautiful town of Williamsburg. Cathy quickly plugged herself into the local dance community while growing her personal family to include two daughters, Amber and Heather. Merging her heart for children and passion for dance, "Miss Cathy" immediately became a local favorite teaching cotillion and dance to countless children in the Williamsburg area.
"Mimi" is survived by her husband of 48 years, Skip Leach; their son Sean Leach and his wife Kate; daughter Amber Spivey and her husband Paul; daughter Heather Carrington and her husband Mark; and six adoring grandchildren Ashland, Christian, Garrett, Rissa, Emma and Bennett. She will always be remembered for her enormous capacity to love, her unwavering faith and infectious smile, and the light that she shown wherever she stepped.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 25th at 4:00 pm in The Regency Room at The Williamsburg Inn. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Virginia Regional Ballet's Miss Cathy scholarship can be made via the website www.dancevrb.com or by mail at 1228 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cathy Leach
Emma Ostrau
September 28, 2024
I only lived in Williamsburg, VA for four years...that was when I was still in kindergarten. Now, at 18 years old and having traveled everywhere, I still vividly remember Miss Cathy and her ballet classes. She passed down her love of dancing to me and she loved us with all her heart. I felt this immense love, we all did. To this evening of remembrance, I still can't believe she is gone because to me she is forever alive in my loving memories of her. She has truly impacted who I am in so so many ways. I am sad I was too young to do much more than attend her classes and not spend more time with her or get to know her more. On the last day of class, right before moving to Vermont and away from everything I knew, the last thing she said to me was, "Emma, you are a beautiful dancer. No matter what you do, never stop dancing. Always keep dancing. I'm going to miss you." And she hugged me, and that was the last time I saw her.
Dear Miss Cathy, I love you so much. I am sorry I never went back to visit you. If I could now, I one million percent would. However, I feel like you have been with me for all of this time. Thank you for everything you taught me, not just in dance. I am forever grateful
-Emma Ostrau
Janet Smith
August 11, 2019
Cathy - You will be forever remembered for making every young dancer, and their parents, feel special. Always positive, you offered encouragement and helped each child reach their potential. You will be missed by all who love you but knowing that you are now at peace, surrounded by God's love, is a reassurance to us all that God's plan for a new home is truly a blessing.
Nicole Helmick
August 9, 2019
The Helmick family will Miss you Mrs Cathy. Claire loves and misses you. She told me that she is glad you are now in heaven with Jesus and that you are well. Liam will also miss you. He loves how you helped him become a handsome prince this year. I thank you for loving my children through teaching them dance. I will miss your warm smile.
Sincerely,
Nicole
Patty Gill
August 9, 2019
Dear precious Leach family, our hearts and prayers are with you as you grieve the great Loss of your wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Kathy has been a shining Light in Williamsburg for many years, showing the Love and Joy of her deep relationship with the Lord Jesus to every life she touched . She will be greatly missed , and always lovingly remembered.
Crystal Fletcher
August 9, 2019
When I was 6 years old I remember sitting on the couch at home and there was a knock on the door and I could hear a little girl tell my dad that her mom told her that another little girl who took ballet at there studio lived there. I went to the door and there stood Amber and Heather and their dog Ginger. That was the first day that I got to experience the love of the Leach household. I spent the majority of my young life growing up in her home. She always made you feel welcome and loved everyone. There are many wonderful memories with Cathy and I am so grateful to have known her. She was my second mom, my dance mom, as she was to many others, and later in life she became more that just my dance mom she became my friend. I miss you so much Ms. Cathy. Love you mama Leach.
August 7, 2019
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
Noelle Schatzel
August 7, 2019
I have so many wonderful memories of Cathy- from being a little girl dancing in her "Free Willy" ballet, to being a teen taking ballroom classes from her, to being an adult and teaching with her. Cathy always had a kind word to say to everyone she saw. She was the salt and light. Prayers to her family and her students during this time.
Jennifer Pyle
August 7, 2019
Dance on in heaven sweet lady.
Debbie Bruss
August 7, 2019
Dear Leach Family,
I'm heartbroken to hear of Cathy's passing. She was such a bright light! I worked with her at the Junior Cotllion for many years. She had a huge, infectious smile and spirit that will be missed. My prayers are with all of you.
Bonnie Conrad
August 7, 2019
Praying for you and your family1
Leslie Stockman
August 7, 2019
Dear Leach family,
Our heart goes out to you for the loss of your beautiful wife, mother and sister in law. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you share and the knowledge your Angel is waiting for you. Abundant blessings to all,
Leslie Stockman
Winston Mathews
August 7, 2019
I first met Cathy in 1985 at a pro life forum held at Williamsburg's public library. She made a powerful impression on me. You go girl!
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