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Marion Drew Leach

Marion Leach Obituary

LEACH
MARION DREW LEACH

Marion Drew Leach, Executive Director of the Cathedral Choral Society from 1976 to 1996, died Thursday, April 5, 2007. In addition to her many friends and colleagues in the Washington choral community, she is survived by her husband of 46 years, William M. Leach; a daughter, Jennifer Megan Leach of Washington, DC; two sons, William Marcus Leach of West Bloomfield, MI and Steven Drew Leach and his wife, Monica of Keene, NH; and one grandchild. Her sisters, Norma Drew of Lawrenceville, NJ and Barbara Drew Gorman of Bakersfield, CA, also survive. A Memorial Service will be held at a date and place to be announced. The family requests that contributions in Marion's memory be sent to the Cathedral Choral Society, Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW, Washington, DC 20016-5098.

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Published by The Washington Post from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Marion Leach

21 Entries

Mary Olch

April 29, 2007

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 would, as you'd set us such a good example. Now you know, with all the love poured out over the past several months, and in yesterday's service! We already miss your good counsel, but will carry on in true Leach-mentored fashion. MaryO

David Krohne

April 26, 2007

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!

D. C. Washington

April 26, 2007

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.

Martha Lewis

April 18, 2007

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 nearby?"
Oh, Marion, if only every life could spread as much goodwill to as many others as you did, how different the world would be!
Affectionately,

Martha Kossoff

April 18, 2007

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.

Janice (Jan) Lockard

April 14, 2007

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 for 27 years. God bless you.

Lyneve Zoellick

April 13, 2007

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 to take direction & give direction.
You taught me learning to take criticism is very important.
You taught me self critique is difficult - but worth it.
You taught me that education will take you far.
You taught me family means blood, friends, neighbors & community and all are precious.
You taught me to listen..I have..I will.
I hear you singing - still.

I am profoundly grateful.

Jane Hislop

April 13, 2007

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.

Lee Tidball

April 11, 2007

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 many thoughts, so many understandings, so much love! Farewell, dear friend -- and may flights of angels bid thee to thy rest. Charlie joins me in happy remembrances of our many years of serving the CCS together.

Marti Olson

April 10, 2007

This past Joy of Christmas concert, her last concert, Marion was having horrible back pain. I was standing next to her and would whisper to her "Do you need to sit down?" She whispered back "No, I need to sing standing up." I think that's how she lived her life - a standing pillar of strength for her family, friends, and the music community. The celestial choir has gotten an amazing Alto 2 - and now when there is music in the cathedral, her spirit is part of every reverberation. Farewell, my friend.

Lynne Fitzhugh

April 10, 2007

Dear Marion! I joined CCS in 1975. Were you singing then? I don't remember. But I remember your gentle-firm leadership as Executive Director, and your ever-helpful guidance when I took on that post for the Paul Hill Chorale. I remember your courage in the face of illness, and especially the effort it took to sing for the children this Christmas. You had to do it, though you could barely stand. And I remember your advice to those of us who came to sing for you in February, though you could barely talk. I think you said "keep singing, and don't ever take the privilege for granted."

Ann Ingram

April 10, 2007

Although I have known Marion ever since I joined CCS in 1983, I was blessed only during the last 2+ years to carpool with her to rehearsals. With Marion I was always early! And almost every time we drove together I would hear about someone elderly or infirm whom she had visited earlier that day. Marion was truly one of the most caring people I have ever known. (She never missed sending me a card for Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah). I shall miss her but will try to follow her example.

Mary-T. Gordon

April 10, 2007

My dear, dear Marion - For more than thirty years we've worked, cried, laughed, sung and toiled to make the CCS the wonderful going operation that it is today. But you have done so much more, not just for CCS but for every choral group in Washington. This town is so much more musical because of you and we are all so blessed to have been a part of that sharing. You will always be in my heart.

Raymond Rhinehart

April 10, 2007

All that we love well remains; the rest is only dust.

Robert Jerome

April 9, 2007

Marion - Your steadfast support and dedication to the Cathedral Choral Society will long be remembered. Look how far we've come by building on your good works! Smile upon us.

T. Michael Shortal

April 9, 2007

My life was blessed by having the privilege of knowing and working with this wonderful lady for almost thirty years. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Helen St. John

April 9, 2007

I have known Marion for 25 years, from my very first rehearsal with the Choral Society. I vividly remember her annual threat to sell our chairs at the Christmas concert if we didn't show up. My neighbor was so late she was bringing up the rear of the procession and Marion and I had a tug-of-war over the latecomer's chair. She meant what she said and you could always depend on her advice.

Eliza Nesmith

April 8, 2007

I only knew Marion through CCS for about 6 years, but enjoyed all the many conversations we had. I loved hearing the stories she told...she always had the inside scope and shared her delightful memories and stories with me.

I will remember her fondly and will hold a place in my heart for her.

Charles Ervin B11

April 8, 2007

Marion,
You were always gracious, informed, approachable, and interested. When I entered the choral society, you greeted me as a long standing friend. We could occasionally discuss the problems of the choir, of the music, and the thrill of it all. You gave of your life and love to this music, our cathedral, our music director.
Of course I will miss you.

Chris Buechler

April 8, 2007

What a lovely lady. A joy to know and a pleasure to sing and work with her. Thank you, Marion, for sharing your lfe with so many of us in CCS.

Margaret Shannon

April 8, 2007

Dearest friend Marion. On this Easter Day, you are free from pain at last. But I will miss you every day for the rest of my life. So many musicians in Washington owe you so much. The Cathedral owes you so much. You were the best. Rest well, dear Berlin/Warsaw roommate.

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