Leigh Lakey

Leigh Lakey, 69, Rockford, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, November 7, 2013 with her husband by her side. Born Nancy Leigh Wesner on July 16, 1944 in St. Louis, Mo, daughter of Max Ernest and Elva Mary (Lay) Wesner. Graduated from Sandwich High School, received a B.A. in Political Science from North Central College and a Master's Degree in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University. She married Donald Dean Lakey in Naperville on November 20, 1967, and has been a Rockford resident for over 45 years. She retired in 2010 from Rockford Public Schools where she had been a LDBD Resource Teacher and Rockford Education Association/ Illinois Education Association member for many years. She was a long-time member of The Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford where she sang alto in the choir, served on the Social Justice committee, ran the kitchen at Trash or Treasure, and helped the quilt committee make comfort quilts. Leigh was extremely intelligent, talented, and creative. A community activist with a lot of moxie, she was a member of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford, having served as president and perpetual newsletter editor. She was a member of Rockford Urban Ministries, serving over 15 years as executive committee secretary, representing the Unitarian Universalist church on RUM council and assisting with annual dinners, candidate forums, and JustGoods fair trade store. Her feisty support for social justice issues will be missed! She was a loyal democrat, constant supporter of women's rights, and firm believer in advocating pro-choice. She volunteered for Rockford MELD, MotherHouse Crisis Nursery, and was a founding board member of Northern Illinois Hospice Association. She was passionate about quilting and was a member of the Sinnissippi Quilters Guild, having served as their secretary, and The American Quilter's Society. "Chunky but Funky" Leigh loved to travel, read, cook and the YMCA Senior Women's Club swimming program. She was an avid art and music enthusiast and was a dedicated teacher committed to teaching students how to read. Most of all, Leigh loved being "Nana".
Survivors include her husband Donald Dean Lakey; son (adopted), Jonathan Dean "J.D." (Tina) Lakey; daughter, Mary Alison Lakey; son, Philip "Pip" (Holly A.) Lakey; the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Eloise "Ella" Leigh Redd Lakey and Lazarus Dean Torres; brothers, Michael Evan (Kathy) Wesner and Max Ernest "Jake" (Pam) Wesner, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Louise Hunt Jones and Doris Jones; aunts, Joan Lavonne McGraw and Virginia Brietwieser; forever friend, Sharon Reimann; nieces, nephews, cousins; her special dog and companion, Teddy Bear; and numerous devoted friends. Predeceased by her parents; uncles Herman Lay and Don Brietwieser; aunt Roberta Baze; sister-in-law, Vera Larson; and brother-in-law, Ken Jones.
Memorial service will be Saturday, November 23, at 2:00 PM, at The Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, 4848 Turner St, Rockford, with Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson-Doyle officiating. Tea and cookie reception to follow. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner Street, Rockford, IL 61107. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.