Barbara Jean Leach, Janesville  (1959 - 2012)

January 31, 1959 - September 19, 2012
Barbara Jean Leach, 53, of Janesville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center. She was born on Jan. 31, 1959, in LaGrange, IL, the daughter of Norman R. and D'Etta M. (Huster) Leach. Barb spent her childhood years in Niles, IL, graduated from Niles West High School in Skokie, IL, and later from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Barb previously worked for the State School for the Visually Impaired in California, before moving to Janesville in 1989. For the last 23 years, Barb was a very patient, kind and devoted teacher at the Wisconsin School for the Visually Impaired, where her students, whom she was very proud of, always came first. Barb was very active with S.M.I.L.E.S. (Special Methods In Equine Learning Skills), and in her free time she enjoyed needle work, crocheting, knitting, spending time with her dogs and cheering on her beloved Cubs.
Barb is survived by her mother, D'Etta Leach of Schaumburg, IL; her three brothers: Robert (Nancy) Leach of West Bend, WI, Richard (Susan) Leach of Palatine, IL, and her twin, David (Robin) Leach of Westchester, IL; her very close and special friend: Mike Becker of Janesville; nieces and nephews whom she truly adored: Rachel (Kyle) DeHoff, Kevin, Daniel, Adam and Amy Leach: great-niece Evelyn; and great-nephew Grayson; her aunt, Jeanne Tracy of Schaumburg, IL; along with other relatives and many friends. She was predeceased by her father.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at the WHITCOMB - LYNCH - ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, with Rev. Michael Youngblood officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at the FUNERAL HOME. Memorials would be greatly appreciated if they were made in Barb's name to: S.M.I.L.E.S., N2666 County Road K, Darien, WI, 53114.
Whitcomb-Lynch-Albrecht Funeral Home
& Cremation Services, Janesville
21 S. Austin Road, Janesville, WI
(608) 752-2444 www.whitcomb-lynch-albrecht.com