Nancy Rae Leko

Nancy Rae Leko, 72, passed away June 20, 2024, near Hilton Head SC, where she has resided since moving from South Euclid, OH in 2020. Nancy was born in Cleveland, OH on October 24, 1951. She graduated from Eastlake North High in 1970, and then majored in Spanish at Denison University, and later earned Master's Degrees from Middlebury College and John Carroll University. During college, Nancy studied abroad and enjoyed backpacking throughout Europe. She fell in love with Spain and the Spanish culture, so she lived in Madrid for several years before returning to the U.S. Nancy had a positive influence on hundreds of young lives during her 30+ year career in education, when she taught Spanish and worked as a guidance counselor at Cleveland South H.S. Nancy is survived by her sister, Linda Sheets Strelcheck (Steven), her two nieces and their families, and her two cousins, Dianne and Richard Schreck. Nancy also provided a loving home to several special cats through the years. In lieu of flowers and if you would like to remember Nancy, a contribution in her name to your local animal shelter would honor her memory. The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.