Leonora Zeches

Leonora Jean Mariani Zeches, age 71, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011 at home. She was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. Leonora attended East High School, graduated from Youngstown State University with a BS degree in Education, and became licensed to teach Math and English. Her teaching career began in northeastern Ohio. In Columbus, Ohio Leonora started substitute teaching at Whitehall, Bexley and Reynoldsburg School systems. She began teaching high school math fulltime at Reynoldsburg High School in 1971 and retired from there in 2007. Lee was recognized on two occasions by the Ohio House of Representatives; in 1986 as Outstanding Math Teacher of the Year in the Central Ohio district and again in 1992 as Educator of the Year. Leonora received the 1994 Special Teacher Award from RHS. For many years, she chaired the Math Department, served on and led many leading edge educational programs and committees that benefited Reynoldsburg Schools as well as other school systems nationally. Lee worked extensively with students after school as Student council advisor, Wrestling Mat Maid advisor, and Commencement Planner. She gave her time and expertise freely to any student that wanted or needed it. She was dearly loved and respected by students in and out of her classroom. She is preceded in death by her father, Giovanni Mariani; mother, Antoinette (DeSanzo) Mariani; uncles Orlando DeSanzo, Nello DeSanzo and Romolo DeSanzo. She is survived by her daughter, Carlene Zeches; son-in-law, Jeffree Robertson; aunt, Dora Cinea; cousin, Sandra Cinea (Mark) Homrighouse and grand dog, Barklee. Friends may call from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, May 18, 2011 and 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL1051 E. Johnstown RD. (at BEECHER RD) Gahanna, where the Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 am, Friday, May 20, 2011.Celebrant Mark Dettmer officiating. Interment following the service at 2:30 pm at Calvary Cemetery, 248 South Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, 870 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 or the Youngstown State University Scholarship Foundation, 606 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.