Patty Leech
Oh my goodness I just found out and I’m completely heartbroken and my son Ryan is also. I always felt a deep connection with E’juana, such an incredible woman in so many ways: always that smile and twinkle in her eye. She was my son Ryan’s jazz piano teacher for years, starting in High school, and although he started at JMU in 2023, when home on breaks he would schedule sessions with her, as many as he could. She played a huge part in Ryan’s decision to major in jazz piano studies at JMU!
The last time he had a session I went just so I could see her and give her a big hug because I missed her, and I’m so glad I did. I just wish I could have told her I love her, but she knows, because I absolutely do. I would always get her Christmas presents and leave them at Bang in Stafford because she taught there at least once a week - and she’d say ‘Patty, you stop, that’s too much!’ and laugh; but I wouldn't stop because I was so grateful for her.
She would even tell Ryan he didn’t have to pay for his lessons, but I would insist! Who does that? E’Juana, because she was singular; a heart of pure, brilliant gold and light. This is so hard for me, I can’t imagine how devastated her family is and I’m praying for all her family and friends that knew her; there is no doubt she is in heaven having the time of her life, surrounded with loving family and friends who passed before her.
The world will never be the same without her in it. I’m so grateful and thank God to have known her.
God bless,
Patty Leith



