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73, of Washington County, passed away on May 23, 2020 while in the presence of her loved ones. Joyce was born on April 13, 1947 to Rose and Florian Helminiak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was a long-time employee of Bell Atlantic in Pittsburgh, but she would emphatically claim that her favorite job was being a grandmother. Joyce was a loving, dedicated mother, aunt, wife, “GaGa”, and friend that is missed by many. She adored spending time with her family and was integral in all their endeavors. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Rose (2011) and Florian (1990), as well as her husband Donald (Leach, 2015). She is survived by her loving sister Jackie (Ken), daughters Shawna (Ross) and Shannon, her grandchildren Jackson, Julian, and Josephine, her nieces and nephews Kerry (Chris), Kenny (Cindy), and Kevin, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. A memorial mass will be held for friends and family on Friday, May 21, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi, 3609 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, Pa 15332 at 10am. Arrangements were handled by John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, 15227. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Animal Friends in memory of Joyce Ann Leach at Animal Friends, Inc. - Tribute or Memorial Gifts (thinkingoutsidethecage.org) or by mail to Animal Friends c/o Development Department 562 Camp Horne Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237. May 20, 2021 One funny story ..... Joyce loved the stuff from our garden...fresh or canned. One time she wanted to stop at our house to get green beans, tomatoes, and zucchini. We weren't going to be home so I told her to take what she wanted and I would "catch up with her later". But she insisted on leaving payment! So I texted her a price list and weights thinking it was settled. A little while later I got a text and a picture of a zucchini on our scale ??? Here, she'd forgotten her glasses and couldn't read the scale to know how much money to leave. Soooo, she sent a picture of it so I could read the scale! Now that's thinking on your feet! Joyce went more than the "extra mile"! May 20, 2021 Joyce and I met through our daughters who were members of the Ringgold Band and Corp. We both were " Band Booster Moms" who worked full time, mothered full time, and supported full time, chaperoning many a band trip and function. It was on one such trip that Joyce lamented the need for a haircut as we were "blown" around Virginia Beach. I remember how she laughed as I proposed and then proceeded to cut her hair on the windy beach. We would often speak of that time .... and the trust involved on both of our behalf's ! Joyce and Don, both, were clients and Joyce especially enjoyed her appointments with " the girls" who would schedule together on a monthly basis, and who still affectionately speak of her and her willingness to join in the chaos, show pictures of grandchildren and pets, and lend a needed "listening ear ". It seems fitting that our last time together was shared cutting her hair and "primping " a wig for her "new look". What a blessing to share that experience with my friend and her daughter❤️ Becky Hofmeister May 19, 2021 Dear Shawna and Shannon and all the family, Thinking of all of you with heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We hope that time and the many special and happy memories will in some way help you all to heal. In sympathy and love, Paulette and Jim Strang May 18, 2021 Many thoughts and prayers with shawna and Shannon and the whole family! Momma J will be so missed, the memories are endless growing up with her! Thinking of you all! Love you! GretchenJoyce Ann Leach
April 13, 1947 - May 23, 2020
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Obituary For Joyce Ann Leach
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