01/08/2010: "Mary Jane Leche"

June 13, 1929 - January 5, 2010

Mary Jane Leche, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died at her home in Friday Harbor, WA on January 5, 2010.

She was born at home in Wickford, Rhode Island on June 13, 1929 to Basil K Major and Helen J (Cartmell) Major. She graduated from North Kingstown High School in 1947 and then went on to graduate in 1950 from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York, NY. She worked as a head nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City and it was there she met Edward Leche, a young seminarian and her future husband of 55 years. They married in St. Mary’s Church in Lakewood, WA on February 19, 1955, where they began their 35 years of active ministry serving congregations throughout western Washington.

In 1967 the family was assigned to the San Juan Islands Mission in northwest Washington State. There Mary Jane and Edward raised their family and made their home for over 43 years. Affectionately known as “Little Rhodie” she will be remembered for her “Yankee Spirit”, her devotion to husband and family, and spontaneous fits of laughter.

She was a Christian woman who unselfishly embraced the role and ministry of priest’s wife with grace, generosity, and hospitality.

She is survived by her husband The Rev. Edward D. Leche, III of Friday Harbor WA, her sister Helen E. Major of Poulsbo WA, her 4 children Mary DeLong (David) of Olympia WA, M. Jane Leche of Lakewood CO, Martha Leche (Ellis Krauss) of San Diego CA and Edward D Leche IV (Susanna) of Poulsbo WA, and six grandchildren Elizabeth L DeLong, Kathleen G DeLong, Mary Clare DeLong, Isaac D Leche, Lillian B Leche, and Caleb E Leche. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert E Major.

In memory and thanksgiving for the life of Mary Jane, a Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 2:00 PM at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Friday Harbor, WA. Graveside services will be conducted at Breidablik Cemetery, Poulsbo WA date and time to be announced (Check the Evans Chapel Website below.)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. David’s Episcopal Church Building Fund (PO Box 2714, Friday Harbor WA 98250) or to the Church of the Transfiguration (PO Box 55, Darrington WA 98241). To share memories of Mary Jane please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com