Esther Victoria Leitch's Obituary
Esther Menendez Leitch, age100, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Esther was the daughter of Robert Ignacio Menendez and Esther Crawford Menendez. She was born in Lackawanna, New York on February 27, 1924, but they soon moved to her mother’s beloved hometown, Charleston, SC.
Esther began working at the Charleston Naval Shipyard upon graduation from high school. Charleston families customarily invited the young World War II naval servicemen to their homes for Sunday dinners after church, and a young sailor, Carey Russell Leitch, became a regular at the Crawford home. Esther and Russell were married at First Christian Church of Charleston on April 24, 1943. When his service ended in 1945, Esther and Russell settled in Fredericksburg, VA.
Esther thrived as a homemaker while her husband was a founding partner in Service Transport, Inc. She became an active member in his home church, First Christian Church, in Fredericksburg, both as a choir member and a soprano soloist. She was also well known for her homemade dishes served at fellowship meals. Esther’s first solo at a young age was “Jesus Loves Me”. She was often asked to sing “O Holy Night” at Christmas, “The Holy City” at Easter, and “The Lord’s Prayer” at both weddings and celebrations of life.
She is survived by Carey Leitch, his wife Pat, and their children Kristen Marchetti (husband Matt) and Cydney Leitch. Esther is also survived by Cheryl Leitch, Gail Leitch, and Gail’s son, Emilio Leitch. Lucas and Eliza Marchetti are Esther’s two great grandchildren. Maude Welsh and Roberta Banks, two cousins who still live near Charleston, and many nieces and nephews survive as well. Esther was predeceased by her husband, Russell Leitch, her parents, her brother Robert Ignacio Menendez, Jr., and Russell’s parents, Carey P. and Maggie W. Leitch.
Although confined to a wheelchair in recent years, she remained fiercely independent even while in the care of the Hughes Home staff. Esther enjoyed reading biographies, romance novels, and mysteries. She loved Bingo and the other activities provided at Hughes but longed to get in the kitchen to prepare her own meals. The staff became her extended family, helping her to keep up with news of the world and engaging in two-way conversations related to their respective families. She was able to enjoy celebrating her 100th birthday with family, friends and longtime neighbors.
Boating was a family pleasure. Esther and Russell could be seen many Saturday and Sunday afternoons water skiing toward the dock, when the water turned to glass. They also were enthusiastic members of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary serving the community as they taught Safe Boating classes and patrolling the Potomac River ready to help other boaters.
The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to First Christian Church, 1501 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or to your favorite charity.
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