CALAIS – Jean W. Leach, 92, passed away Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, at Calais Regional Hospital. Jean was born March 17, 1920, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, daughter of the late Lindsey and Evelyn (Carll) Wood.
She graduated from Calais Academy, class of 1938. Jean worked in the office for Daly Brothers Shoe Factory and as a bookkeeper for Unobskey’s until she married Philip Leach Sept. 19, 1943, in Cherryfield. They relocated to Florida, but she returned home to Maine and worked as a bookkeeper for WT Grants Department Store when her husband was drafted for World War II. After Philip returned from the war she started her banking career in the 1950s with Calais Federal Savings, where she worked for 12 years. They decided to winter in Zephyrhills, Fla., and summer in Glenburn. While in Florida she worked for Pasco County Savings & Loan. When Philip passed away in 1981, Jean worked in Orono for Bangor Savings Bank, retiring in 1991, and moved back to Calais. Jean was a member of Second Baptist Church, Calais, where she served as treasurer; Calais Regional Hospital Auxiliary, where she also served as treasurer; and Happy Gang. She enjoyed sewing and making clothes.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Philip; and her brother, John Wood. Surviving are her son, Philip G. Leach and his partner, Susan Carr, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; sister-in-law, Jean Wood of Calais; one nephew, John Wood of Calais; a niece, Regina Taylor and her husband, George, of Calais; and a great-nephew, Christopher Taylor of Indianapolis.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at Calais Cemetery. Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Second Baptist Church, 21 Church St., Calais, ME 04619 or Calais Regional Hospital Auxiliary, 24 Hospital Lane, Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
Jean W. Leach
