Leigh (Boedeker) Gappa

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, Lois Leigh Boedeker Gappa passed away at the age of 67. She was born on June 26, 1954, to Martin and Juanita Boedeker in Louisville Kentucky. Leigh became a big sister to Elizabeth “Libbi” on March 16, 1957. The family moved around the south several times before settling in Oklahoma City in 1961.

Leigh graduated from Putnam City High School in 1972, and the University of Central Oklahoma in 1984. Leigh welcomed a daughter, Misha Leigh McKenzie, in 1979 and a son, Michael David Gappa. In 1984 Lee worked for Cardinal Paper Company, Delta Faucet, and U.S. Foods before retiring in 2018.

Leigh loved rock ‘n roll, spending time in her garden, and talking politics. She believed that science is real, Black Lives Matter, love is love, women’s rights are human rights and no human is illegal. She loved spending time with her family around the table enjoying great food and conversation. She loved trying new things and instilled that love in her family. Her favorite meal was homemade fried catfish with corn on the cob, red potatoes, and green beans - her family made it with her every year on her birthday.

But most of all, she loved spending time with her granddaughter, Harper McKenzie, and her grandniece and nephew Jaclynne and Liam Irby. Mimi to all her grandbabies, she loved to spend time with the kids by the pool, making her favorite dinners, and watching movies; the grandkids were everything to her.

Leigh was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her beloved son Michael. She is survived by her sister, daughter, and granddaughter, nephew Matthew Irby, niece in law Jeri’ Irby, grandniece Jaclynne Irby, grandnephew William Michael Irby, former spouse Michael Gappa, and several cousins.

A funeral service for Leigh will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Memorial Park Historic Chapel, 13400 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131 with a graveside service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Trevor Project.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Gappa family.