Shirley Jane Leahy

Shirley J. Leahy (nee Van Cleef), 84 of Vermilion, died Friday, September 14, 2007 in Community Health Partners West. She was born May 31, 1923 in Millstone, NJ. She lived in New Jersey, on the eastern shore of Maryland, and for the last 40 years in Vermilion. She worked as a switchboard operator, housewife and mother, worked at Trade Winds, the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, and for her husband's business Leglo, Sandusky. She attended the United Church of Christ Congregational, Vermilion and was a member of the American Legion Aux. Post #397, had volunteered at Lorain Community Hospital and for Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed music, dancing and mother nature. She loved her friends and extended family. She was an accomplished artist. Her Christmas cards become collectables among her friends. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Springer of Vermilion: sons, Richard Brian Leahy of Amherst and John Arthur Leahy of Laguna Niguel, CA; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband Richard E. Leahy in 1988, son, Robert Allen Leahy in 1968, parents, Arthur and Edith (nee Welsh) Van Cleef, a brother Kenneth Van Cleef, and sisters, Isabelle Bradbury, Francis Halsted, and Barbara Romaine. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 at 2:00 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home 5345 South St. Vermilion, OH, with Jimmy Davis, former mayor, officiating. Contributions may be made to the Ritter Public Library, 5680 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, Ohio 44089.