Bucksport – Janice Leach, 87, passed peacefully Sept. 20, 2020, at home with her beloved family at her side. She was born March 18, 1933, in Somerville, Mass., to Edward “BO” and Thelma Keegan. Her parents moved to Bucksport when Janice was 3 months old and she became a lifelong citizen of the town she loved so very much.
Janice is survived by her loving husband and soulmate of 68 years, Harland “Jerry” Leach Jr., her three daughters Beth Roderick and partner Dan, Karen Wardwell and husband, John, and Loretta Alley and husband, Ben. Janice was blessed to have five grandchildren, Julie Trojano, Jana Gray and John Wardwell, along with Corey and Jesse Alley, and 11 great-grandchildren who she found great joy in. She is also survived by her brother John Keegan and Norma, sister Ellen Hersey and Don and sister-in-law Rosemary Pease. Janice was predeceased by her parents, sister in-law Cynthia Leach and son-in-law Russell Roderick. Janice was the rock of her family and was happiest when she was surrounded by them. She made many wonderful Sunday dinners that the whole family looked forward to all week.
Janice means “God’s gracious gift,” which she truly was to her family and large circle of friends. Janice lived her life with a strong belief in faith, family and friends. She worked for many years in the Bucksport school system, where she developed many lifelong friendships and she was fondly known as “Mother Janice.” She loved sports and one of her favorite pastimes was watching her children and grandchildren compete. She was also a lifelong Red Sox and Patriots fan. She was a crossword aficionado and enjoyed playing cribbage with Jerry while having her afternoon coffee and loved outings with her bridge club and ladies groups. All of these special memories will remain with her and make her spirit shine in her everlasting life.
Janice took great comfort in having her primary caregivers, her husband Jerry and granddaughter Julie, by her side when she started her next journey. The family would like to thank her St. Joseph’s Hospice team, especially Brenda and Lynn, for the special care they provided in this difficult time. Arrangements are being made under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home. Due to COVID-19 there will be a private event for the family at a later date.
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