Irene Leach

Irene "Julie" Leach, 75, of Fort Gratiot, formerly of New Baltimore, died Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

She was born September 1, 1936 in Detroit to the late Alex and Julia Rycerz. She married Robert Leach, who died in 1990.

Mrs. Leach volunteered for many veterans' activities, including selling poppies, Toys for Tots, assisting at the V.A. Hospital, and decorating Christmas trees for hospitalized veterans. She worked at St. Mary Queen of Creation in New Baltimore for several years. Julie loved animals.

She is survived by three children, Joel (Gail) Leach, Noel (Pat) Leach and Julie (Keith) Grubbs; ten grandchildren, Brittany (LCPL Christopher, USMC) Davis, Amanda Leach, Brandi Leach, Robert (Jenny) Leach, Rick Leach, Kathryn Leach, Amy Leach, Brandon Grubbs, Ryan Grubbs and Kolton Grubbs; four great grandchildren, Logan Taft, Rileigh Leach, Haylee Leach and Christian Davis; two sisters, Janet O'Boyle and Karen Pistonetti; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Champion; and a brother, Eugene Rycerz.

Visitation will be 2-9 p.m. Friday in the Marysville Funeral Home, 1200 Michigan Ave., Marysville. A Scripture Service will be held at 7 p.m.

Mrs. Leach will lie in state from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in St. Edwards on the Lake Catholic Church, 6945 Lakeshore Rd., Lakeport. The Reverend Joseph Esper will officiate. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Inurnment will be in St. Peter Cemetery, Mt. Clemens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Blue Water Area Humane Society.