Jill Mavourneen Leach

Jill was born on October 16, 1944 to Daniel B. and Dolores Haley. She grew up in Lombard, Illinois, and was a 1962 graduate of Glenbard East High School. She and her daughter, Christine, moved to Sidney, MI, where her parents were living, 1966. Jill met Hugh Leach at the Greenville, MI, Daily News where they both worked and they were married on August 24, 1968. The family moved to Mason in 1969 when Hugh was hired as a reporter for the Lansing State Journal.

During her lifetime she worked at a number of jobs, including telephone operator in Chicago, classified advertising manager for the Greenville Daily News, secretary for a local dentist, secretary for an insurance agency, enumerator for the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and a "stripper" for IncoGraphics, a job title that engendered many laughs over the years.

Jill was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Mason. She was one of the founding members of the Mason Chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a women's barbershop singing organization. The Mason chapter eventually became part of the Livingston Lakes and later the Water Wonderland chapters. She also sang lead in the Sound Unlimited quartet. As a member of Water Wonderland, she sang on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, performed in Hawaii and even sang a solo on the stage of the Sydney (Australia) Opera House. She also directed the Grand Ledge Sweet Adelines chorus and became a member of the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines Chapter.

She was also a talented amateur decorative painter.

Jill loved music and joining Sweet Adelines, where people often complimented her on her beautiful singing voice, instilled a level of confidence in her that had been lacking. Always rather outgoing, her new-found confidence allowed her to approach complete strangers, introduce herself and strike up conversations. Her cheery disposition, smile and friendliness endeared her to everyone she met.

Jill is survived by her husband, Hugh; grandson, Corey (Tia) Peterson of Jackson; granddaughter, Casey (Cody) Hagstrom of Greybull, WY; great-grandchildren, Rhys and Ryder Peterson and Heath and Trystan Hagstrom; brother-in-law, Richard (Donna) Leach of Grovetown, GA; thirteen nieces and nephews, several cousins, her constant canine companion, Dorree, and a multitude of treasured friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; daughter, Christine Clarke; sister, Dolores "Dorree" Niemiec; and brothers, Daniel J. and John "Jack" Haley.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 720 W South St., Mason, MI 48854. Arrangements are being handled by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Mason Chapel.

Memorial contributions in Jill's memory may be made to Dimondale Nursing Care Center, 4000 N Michigan Rd., Dimondale, MI 48821.

Special thanks to Becca Rowland, who became a good friend as well as Jill's nurse while she was at Dimondale Nursing Care Center, the caregivers from BrightStar Care, the hospice team from Residential Hospice, Pastor Gerald Ferguson of All Saints Lutheran, Kelly and Bob Yoakam, and many other wonderful friends who helped Jill through her difficult final days.

Jill is fondly remembered for being gentle, giving, and gregarious, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.