Schenectady- Marilyn Eileen (Lenz) Leach, (80), of Kingsway Village died in her husband's arms on November 11th, 2022.
Marilyn is survived by Don Leach, her husband of 57 years, Daughter Jennifer Chagaris, Son Jeffrey Leach, and grandchildren Stephen Chagaris, Melissa Chagaris, Erin Leach, and Logan Leach.
Marilyn was born in New Castle Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Herman and Eleanor Nesbit Lenz. She was preceded in death by her brother Clarence "Lenny" Lenz and survived by her sister Ruth (Mac) McCracken and her brother Gerald (Allie) Lenz.
She grew up on a 100 acre farm in the Neshannock township of Pennsylvania. She participated in 4H and learned to drive a tractor at the age of 5. She lost her mother at the age of 12 to cancer. She was a graduate of Neshannock Sr. High school and went on to major in English at Allegheny College where she became president of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
Her first job was teaching high school English in Painesville, Ohio. She and Don Leach were married on July 3rd 1965. After starting her family, she worked for the Albany Presbytery for 20 years as the assistant to the stated clerk for the Presbytery retiring in 2005.
She led a life of service. She volunteered for the Friends of the Library, League of Women Voters, and as Girl Scout leader. She was very active in the life of Union Presbyterian Church (UPC) by serving as Member of Session, member of church committees, president and treasurer of the Woman's Association, and Clerk of Session for many years. After the merger of UPC and First Reformed Church she served as the chair of the adult education committee, the support and care committee, Clerk of Consistory, was an elder, and often led Bible studies.
Her hobbies included tennis, reading, duplicate bridge, and travel. She and Don enjoyed trips to Mexico, Alaska, Louisiana, London, Germany, Hawaii, France, Italy and frequent trips to New York City where they enjoyed Broadway shows.
Calling hours will be held from 3:30 to 5 pm on Friday November 18th at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady 8 North Church St, Schenectady, New York 12305 immediately followed by the funeral service officiated by Rev. Daniel Carson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders.