Judith H. Leach
Chesapeake - Judith Hollowell Leach passed away in the house where she was born, surrounded by her devoted family and friends. Judy was born October 10, 1932 in Deep Creek, Va. She was the youngest child of Mattie Leggett Fleming and Edward Caleb Hollowell.
Following her graduation from Deep Creek High School in 1949, Judy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the College of William and Mary in 1951. Judy became a stewardess with United Airlines, where she met her future husband, Raymond Arthur Leach. They made their home first in Los Angeles, Calif., moving to Illinois and then to New Jersey. They returned to Los Angeles for the next 25 years.
In Southern California she was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church. She loved theatre and performed on stage with the Hidden Hills Players theater group. Judy's true home has always been Virginia. She and Ray returned to restore the family home on the banks of Deep Creek, where she hosted Trinity Episcopal Church's annual crab feasts and held an open house policy for her many friends.
A lay minister and altar guild member at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Judy also acted as a docent at the historic Hermitage Museum in Norfolk, and was an enthusiastic member in both the Students Club and the Music Study Club of Chesapeake. She loved her high school friends and was a faithful member of the Deep Creek 49ers. Of all her world travels, she most enjoyed her pilgrimage to Israel.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Susan Lynne Sawasy (Mitchell); her son, Mark Andrew Leach (Michele); six grandchildren: Mercedes Lynne Foster, Jesse Caleb Foster, Ellen Susann Leach, Laura Renee Leach, Adam Mitchell Sawasy, Patrick Thomas Sawasy, and one great-grandchild, Madeline Annastasia McCluskey. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond Arthur Leach; both parents; her sister, Mary Louise Hollowell; and her brothers, Edward Caleb Hollowell, John Warren Hollowell, and Franklin Lee Hollowell. She is survived by her loving companion of 12 years, Randolph Bowes.
Judy was a patron of the theater and the arts, and proudly supported local artists and performers. She was a joyful woman, her love of life and all those that came into her path were part of her life's celebration. Judy was kind to the underdog, always reaching out to those that needed a boost. She loved animals as much or more than people, so we ask that in lieu of flowers you consider a memorial donation to Portsmouth Humane Society, 4022 Seaboard Ct., Portsmouth Va. 23701. Or better yet, adopt a stray in Judy's name to keep her spirit and love of animals alive.
A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth Monday, June 11 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception in Trinity Church Parish Hall. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth, is assisting the family.
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