Marion Drew Leach

I am grateful for knowing Marion and Bill. You two watched over Pete and me during his illnesses, bringing home-grown vegetables, homemade soups, etc. After Pete died you came over as the "Leach Book Packing and Mailing Company" and helped me get out 35 packages of books sold from his mailed-10-days-before-death book catalog!

Marion and I chatted early last fall after visiting elderly friends in nursing homes; you wondered if folks would visit US when our time came. I assured you they...

If one is truly fortunate, he will have at least one friend like Marion in his lifetime. Over the course of the past 30 years this extraordinary lady was mentor, advisor, cheerleader, and confidant. She and Bill have been the most caring and generous of friends for so many years. She lives on in the wonderful memories of all whose lives she touched with her warmth, humor, and kindness. She leaves a void that can never be filled.
Rest in peace, dear Marion!

CCS is known as a family..for me we have lost our mother. Marion you will be missed, but your influence will live on through the ages. What a joy it was to know you.

A few hours ago, I returned from London, where I visited St. Paul's Cathedral and the Boys' School building, as I thought of Marion and her British Choir Festival. Our lives intertwined on so many levels.....singing, Women's Board, Merry Evenings in May in the Bishop's Garden.., and it was always with joy. I always laughed upon recalling your straight-faced humor, when you told of the new concert-goer who, in getting directions to the Cathedral, asked, "Are there any significant landmarks...

I've known Marion since I joined CCS in 1978. She was always so kind, and a tower of strength for the organization. If anything ever troubled me, she was there to listen and offer encouraging words. We will all miss her greatly. May she rest in the peace she so richly deserves.

Marion: When I first joined CCS in 1971, I had no clue about the management of the organization. I was there to sing! However, my interest perked when you were chosen for the Executive Director position. Knowing that you were a singer with a well-established resume brought immediate attention and favor from all of us in the chorus. You leave an enviable legacy as a masterful Executive Director, accomplished singer, and warm and caring person. I feel fortunate that you were part of my CCS life...

Aunt Marion, I wanted you to know...
I love you to pieces. Always have. Always will.

I cherish all the memories I have of us...
Family dinners, lunches at diners, the concerts, the amazing hugs,
your rock solid advice.

You taught me many things...
You taught me there are stories everywhere & telling them is an art.
You taught me to try new things & embrace change.
You taught me to look within myself for the answers I seek.
You taught me I must learn...

My first memory of Marion was when we visited Bill and Marion in Tennessee. We went to see the Trail of Tears one night. What an amazing and haunting production that I still remember! Marion's love of life, music, family, and friends will continue in all our memories.

For dear Marion -- We met some 40 years ago at CCS rehearsals and have kept a special friendship all these years. After I left the Alto 1s and became an Alto 2 we often sat next to one another, exchanging monosyllabic comments and information behind our music, mostly related to your explanations of what was to be done or who was doing what or whatever. It was our little extra time together. And then there were the Board meetings -- since I became a Trustee when you became our Exec. So...