Kathleen Leach

Kathleen “Kate” Leach, age 79, went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2026. Kate passed away peacefully following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. 

Kate was a remarkable woman whose strength, determination, and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She earned her bachelor’s degree through night school while balancing the demands of everyday life. Through hard work and perseverance, she broke through the glass ceiling to become a successful executive with AT&T during a time when women were rarely represented in corporate boardrooms. 

Never one to shy away from adversity, Kate was just as confident in a business meeting as she was on the golf course. Her accomplishments extended far beyond her professional career. She enjoyed a loving marriage that spanned many decades, was an avid golfer, had an impeccable sense of fashion, and never met a slot machine she didn’t like. 

Kate embraced life with enthusiasm, humor, and an unwavering spirit. Even as she faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, she refused to let it diminish her love of life. Her strength, independence, and vibrant personality will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout the Buckeye Lake community.

 Kate was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie Leach; her parents; her sisters, Sue Walker and Debbie Edgar; and her brother, Albert Gyure. 

She is survived by her nephews, Jamie Walker, Larry Cramer, and Kirk (Thom) Cramer; her nieces, Shawn (Brian) Gyure and Kathy Cramer; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; and seven great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. 

A devoted Catholic, Kate held her faith close to her heart. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pataskala, Ohio, beside her beloved husband, Charlie, and reunited in heaven with the family members she so dearly loved and missed.

 A family friend once said, “It’s not the dates on your headstone that matter, it’s the dash in between.” Kate truly lived every moment of that dash to the fullest. Her life was one of determination, achievement, love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

 The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Altercare Newark, as well as Kate’s dear friend, Cynthia Lewis, for their kindness, friendship, and care. 

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pataskala, Ohio. All family and friends are welcome to attend as we gather to celebrate and honor Kate’s extraordinary life. 

Kate will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.