Jane Leahy

Jane Wallace Leahy, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2014 at the age of 76, after her family initially was told she would not survive to age five due to a defective heart. She was born November 12, 1937, to Ralph E. and Winifred Given Wallace. Her maternal grandmother, Winifred Baker Given, who raised her, proved all experts wrong, knowing life was too good to quit early. She was reared in Circleville, Ohio, residing with her grandmother. Jane attended Circleville High School, The Ohio State University and Columbus College of Art and Design. She lived in Bexley for several years before marrying George Lee Leahy and raising their four children in Hilliard. When all were in college, German Village was her next residence. Finally, she settled in Mansfield, close to her eldest son.

She was blessed with four beautiful children and six marvelous grandchildren: George Patrick Leahy and wife, Kimberly and their children, Victoria and Elizabeth; Michael Baker Leahy and wife, Sally; Joanne Ford-England and husband, Larry and their son, Hunter; Jane Leahy Dooley and husband, Thomas and their children, Dalton, Dirk and Danielle.

A brother, James Cole Wallace, and sister, Joanne Wolfe Ericson, preceded her in death as did her parents and maternal grandmother.

Her art work was exhibited in many juried shows and summer art festivals, and she was honored with one woman shows at Cincinnati Nature Center, the Columbus Zoo, Inniswood Gardens, Columbus Mayor's office, Gorman Nature Center and numerous other locations. Jane's life was filled with love and appreciation for her children, enjoyment of art, and the simple love of the many canine and felines over the years. In later years, working with her therapy dogs, Fraulein and Emma proved very rewarding.

The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family. A memorial service will be held at a later date with her cremated remains scattered off the summer island home of dear friend, John Walton Wolfe who was both a surrogate father and brother-in-law. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Richland County.

It was a great life, a gift from God. Who could ask for more?