IRENE B. LEICHTMAN

LEICHTMAN, Irene B. Of Lexington, September 13, 2022. Wife of the late David Leichtman. Mother of Jana Druxman and husband, Michael of Corrales, NM, Stephen Leichtman and wife, Gail of Lexington, Bruce Leichtman and wife, Michelle of Durham, NH, and the late Marla Leichtman and husband, David Hewkin of New Hutton, England. Sister of the late Edith Most and the late Anne Most. Nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, four nieces, and one nephew carry forward her legacy of love and resilience.

Irene was a first generation American, her parents, Nathan and Molly Bergman having immigrated from Belarus to Buffalo, NY. Raised by her widower father and her two older sisters, she graduated from the University of Buffalo with an elementary teaching degree. Irene and David married in 1952, living near Buffalo with their growing family.

After their 1967 move to Lexington, Irene focused her energies on nurturing and supporting her husband's and children's endeavors. She prioritized family and education and maintained holiday traditions including Passover seders and Thanksgiving celebrations. Irene's interests included reading, sewing, knitting, gourmet cooking, music, and bridge. She completed a Master's Degree in Special Education, leading to a career teaching preschoolers with special needs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Irene and David's 67-year marriage was enhanced by their mutual love of bridge, music, and traveling. Family road trips included Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Later, they extended their travels to China, Israel, England, and Australia, where snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef captured Irene's heart.

Irene was an intelligent, creative, and caring wife, daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be truly missed and treasured forever.

Private Services and interment at Westview Cemetery, Lexington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hadassah, https://www.hadassah.org/donate or to Dana Farber Cancer Institute https://www.dana-farber.org/