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Kathryn Leget Obituary
She is survived by her husband John of 63 years; her sons John, and Peter (Jeanne), and daughter Michelle (Melissa); and granddaughters, Gabrielle and Grace. Her eldest daughter, Catherine, has been patiently awaiting her arrival.
Kathryn was a wife, mother, and grandmother who lived with a fierce love of her family, education, and animals. After meeting in Bermuda in 1957 and courtship in their hometown of Chicago, Kay was married to John Leget in Chicago, Illinois in July of 1960. Deeply supportive and proud of her children and grandkids, her genuine encouragement and nurturing gave them all the strength to pursue their individual passions. A primary school teacher and school counselor for 40 years, Kay shaped the lives of children from the playgrounds of the City of Chicago to the public school system of Fairfax County, Virginia. A leader in the PAL pet therapy programs for our veterans, elderly, and hospitalized in the VA/DC/MD area, she and her dogs, Bailey and Molly, brought joy to patients' and their families' lives during challenging times. Kay found joy in the challenge of a good puzzle by "her water," but not nearly as much as a competitive game of cards with a glass of her wine.
The world is a better place for having Kay in it, and we are all enriched by her impact on our lives. We will miss her dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at the Town Shores Clubhouse (3210 59th St S, Gulfport, FL) on November 26, 2023 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay's name to "People. Animals. Love." at https://peopleanimalslove.networkforgood.com/projects/200332-support-pal. or 4200 Wisconsin Ave NW #106-376, Washington, DC, 20016.
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Yvonne Zecca
November 3, 2024
I was at Ft Belvoir Friday and some staff still ask about her and Bailey. I can still see her smile. She had a kind word for everyone she met and brought continuous joy. She is missed but well remembered in the Red Cross display at the hospital and in all our hearts.
Christine Sofie
November 27, 2023
Kay was one of the most lovely people I have ever known. Kay and John walked into my life and instantly became people that I loved and enjoyed seeing so much. Even after they left VA, they went out of their way to keep me close, always filling me in on their lives and the happenings of their family. Thank you for being such a special person. You will be missed everyday
Kathie Anastas
November 20, 2023
Kay will always hold a special place in my heart. She made a huge impact in my life. She was my mentor for the Red Cross Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Pet Therapy program. Participating with the Pet Therapy team was a joyful and rewarding opportunity few pet owners experience. The only reason I successfully completed the training was ALL because of Kay. I was so blessed to have her in my life. Kathie
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Marcie Hinton
November 17, 2023
"A life well lived" would be an understatement. I met Kay as a Red Cross Therapy Dog team with Miss Molly, at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. Kay, with her ever present smile, always sharing a kind word with staff and patients. Kay enjoyed sharing news of what her family was up to. Always beaming with pride when she spoke of her children and her grands. Heaven is better for having her and we will miss her dearly. Thank you Kay for gracing us with your kind heart and friendship. Love ya Kay.
Yvonne Zecca
November 17, 2023
Kay was a dear friend during her days volunteering at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. She ushered so many others into the Dog Therapy program at the hospital and was an ever present mentor to so many. Kay with Bailey and Molly brought so much comfort to the military and the military families. She was especially impactful with the children--always seeking them out to spread her unique joy and love. I send my deep sympathies to Kay's family, whom she talked about so often when we settled for coffee after our dog visits. I remember Kay so fondly. Her impact was wide and joy always generous.
Monna Atkins
November 14, 2023
When I first met the Leget family, Dick and I were invited to the their home for dinner. Kay had set a beautiful table with white linen tablecloth and napkins, their finest china, crystal, silver, candles, flowers, the whole nine yards. John asked us to raise our glasses for a toast whereupon I knocked my glass of RED wine over onto that beautiful WHITE tablecloth! After some embarrassing tears (by me) and cleanup we got back to the toast. We were invited back to that beautiful table on many more occasions and became honorary members of the Leget family. I am proud to say that after over forty years they still invite me into their home. Kay and Dick are probably smiling and joking as they look down upon all of us today.
Monna Atkins
November 14, 2023
Shortly after meeting the Leget family Dick and I were invited to their home for dinner. Kay went all out with the table setup... white table cloth, fine China, crystal, best silver, candles, the whole works! Kay proposed a toast welcoming us to their home whereupon I reached for my glass of RED wine and knocked it all over the beautiful white tablecloth. After I was able to mop up the wine and my tears, and get over my embarrassing accident, dinner went on. To lighten the situation, this might have been the first time I witnessed John's display of black olives on each finger tip. All must have been forgiven because we were invited back every year and that was forty years ago.
Liz Cunningham
November 11, 2023
Mrs. Leget would come to the crazy ER at GWU hospital, with her staff and their therapy dogs. Molly riding in her carriage! "The dogs are here the dogs are here!" The ER department was a better place because of you Mrs. L. Thank you for everything.
Liz
Jane B Zimmerman
November 11, 2023
I first met Kay in the lobby of George Washington University Hospital in 2015. She was with Molly Malone, smiling from ear to ear as she always did, with a little Christmas cap. She welcomed my dog and me as PAL therapy dog volunteers new to the program she established at GWUH. Each week thereafter, I saw Kay and Molly touch so many lives. All the hospital staff -- doctors, nurses, therapists, custodians -- lit up whenever they saw their friends Kay and Molly!
They comforted and lifted the spirits of patients and visitors. Kay could make Molly Malone sneeze on demand, and it cracked me up every single time! I remember a young man with whom Kay had a special rapport and developed a relationship to support him through his recovery. He came to a volunteer appreciation event in honor of her. I also remember being with Kay and Molly as we visited a mother who had just lost her baby during labor and delivery. Words could never describe that moment, but it felt as though somehow Kay had been guided to be with this mother in her deepest grief and sorrow. Like so many others, I always felt hopeful and happy in Kay's presence. She was a light and a gift to this world, and I am incredibly thankful to have had her in my life.
Lena Hann Ferris
November 10, 2023
So many great memories sitting around the Leget´s big kitchen table sharing meals and stories. Mrs Leget was always so warm and welcoming. I was lucky to be on a bunch of sports teams in high school with Missy as Kay was the best cheering squad for our O´Connell sports team. She loved her kids and her kids´ friends. I had a second home where I always felt welcome.
Lena Hann Ferris
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