Grateful to know her, sad to say Good-bye

Aunt Marty Leyshon,
inspiration, healer, tender soul

I have posted below note an obituary for Marty Leyshon.

When I was a child this delightful, patient, noble woman was my favorite auntie, and the one relative who went out of her way to connect with me after I "left home" a few days past High School Graduation in 1967; I was feeling pretty lost and she healed that.

She and Uncle Chad blessed my life with the message of Bill, the Alcoholics Anonymous message. Tho' I never could actually drink a lot of alcohol, I have continued relying on those same twelve steps for whatever difficulties came my way. (Those who understand about how I've been "disabled" will appreciate this the more.)

Later I can share some of my favorite memories, of Aunt Marty and her family, so generous to me. I'll publish the most readable, here. Meanwhile, thanks to Preston and to Marty's whole family, and to The Washington Post, for obituary pasted below.

My sympathy and best wishes to Uncle Chad and to everyone Aunt Marty's life touched, in saying their goodbyes. I miss her.
-- Linda's Hearth
.

Martha Ann “Marty” Leyshon passed away from this world on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 to be with our Lord and reunite with her deceased daughter, Susan Marie.

Marty, who turned 85 on August 5, leaves behind her husband Webster Chadwick "Chad" with whom, on June 21st, she celebrated 63 years of marriage. Her children Robert, Preston, and Priscilla Davis mourn the loss of their mother and friend. Marty was the proud and loving grandmother of eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Marty was born in 1925 to Karl Dustin Reyer and Edith Gilkey Reyer. She is the sister of the late Dustin Gilkey Reyer. Marty graduated from Miami University in Ohio, with a BA degree. After her graduation (she finished in 3 years!), she enrolled in studies to become a Registered Medical Technologist. After World War II she married her longtime sweetheart Chad. She served on numerous public service organizations, including The White House Conference on Alcohol and the Family.

She is remembered by all for her sincere and ever-present smile, her uplifting attitude, her humble spirit, and her willingness to always put others before herself. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend Marty set an example of servitude and sacrifice. She dedicated her life to helping others, mentoring teens with alcoholic parents, and assisting others along the road to recovery. When thinking about Marty, friends and relatives tell stories about her thoughtful care packages, her heartfelt interest in your life, and her thrifty ability to reuse and recycle any household item.

Her memory will not be forgotten as her family and friends continue to share the impact that Marty had on their lives. She is missed and loved by everyone who knew her.

You can click on this link, to scroll to Leyshon, to see Obituary in the Washington Post. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/

A celebration of Aunt Marty's life was celebrated on August, 23 , at

Woodside United Methodist Church

8900 Georgia Ave, (RT 97, inside the 495 Beltway)

Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 587-121

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made to:

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
8588 Potter Park Drive, Suite 500
Sarasota, Florida 34238 USA
Tel: (800) 926-4797
Tel: (941) 312-0400
www.pwsausa.org

Cards of condolence may be mailed to Chad at his new address:
Chad Leyshon
413 Willington Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20904