Margaret Elizabeth Garate Leech

Margaret Elizabeth Garate Leech, 93, of Portsmouth, VA, passed away on Wednesday April 20, 2022. She was the wife of retired Navy Commander, Joseph W. Leech. Born in Oceanside CA. One of seven siblings, she was the daughter of the late John Edward Garate and Mary Carmen Valenzuela.

In addition to her husband, Margaret is survived by her daughters, Roseanne M. Delaney (husband Bob) of Florida; Terri Leech (husband David) of North Carolina; and son, Thomas R. Leech (wife Cheryl) of South Carolina; four grandchildren, Colleen, Judith, William and Joseph; three great granddaughters, Hailey, Sadie, and Ansley; and her sister, Helen Peffley of San Diego CA.

She wore many hats through her life: young mother taking care of her children, traveling the world as a navy wife, social hostess as an officer’s wife, successful Realtor, Elder of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. Her daily life was full as a volunteer for Navy Relief, a member of the French and Spanish social clubs, a language tutor and enjoyed painting, sculpting and physical fitness. She was devoted to her faith, family and friends.

Marge was petite in stature but was a giant of a lady to those who knew her.

A Mass will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 522 High St. Portsmouth VA 23704. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park, 601 North Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Margaret’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), the Shriners Children’s Hospitals (www.shrinerschildrens.org), the St Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org), the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org) or the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org). You may offer your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.