Mary B (Brecht) Leighow

Mary B. Leighow, 82, of Numidia, passed into the loving arms of her Lord on Oct. 27, 2023, at Emmanuel Center, Danville. 

Mary was born on Jan. 20, 1941, in Northumberland. She was raised by her late parents, Laura and Henry Brecht. Mary was a graduate of the former Northumberland High School with the Class of 1959.

She worked for Wilson Mfg. in Sunbury, and Magee Carpet Co., Bloomsburg. 

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Numidia, where she was a secretary for 21 years. She also sang in the church choir and played in the bell choir.

She was married on May 16, 1964, to Dale L. Leighow, who preceded her in death on Oct. 20, 2022. They lived and farmed near Numidia. They had four daughters: Sally Leighow and partner, Brian Kile, twins: Suann Leighow and Suzet Martin and husband, William, and Sonya Leighow and longtime partner, Debbie Hults, of rural Catawissa. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Sabrina Vought and partner, Mike Kelchner, of Danville, Wyatt, Sarah, Weston Martin, all of Catawissa; and one great-granddaughter, Shelby Paige Kelchner, of Danville.

She was preceded in death by her brothers: Henry, Thomas, Paul Brecht; and sister, Kathryn DeRocko.

Surviving are sisters: Margaret “Peggy” Whipple and Claire Stabnau; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary was very community service oriented. She was a life member and the first woman to be an active fire fighter of the Valley Chemical Fire Company, Numidia. She was a charter member of Valley Chemical Fire Company Auxiliary. She was also an EMT with the Valley Quick Response Squad.

Mary also supported our veterans. She was a life member of Catawissa VFW No. 8306 Auxiliary; a member of the Northumberland American Legion Post 44; the Danville Women of the Moose No. 930; and the NRA. She and Dale spent many years deer hunting on the family farm. 

Mary was an avid bowler since the age of 16. She was on many leagues in the Northumberland area and later joined leagues around the Bloomsburg area. She always had an adventure traveling to bowling tournaments in the state.

One of Mary’s greatest joys was “doing things with her girls.” She coached girls’ softball for 9 to 12-year-old girls. She worked in the Horticulture building at Bloomsburg Fair for 20 plus years. She could also be seen parking cars at Rohrbach’s for special events. In the summer, Mary enjoyed working for catering at Knoebels Amusement Resort.  

Mary’s favorite way to relax was fishing at the Indian River Inlet, Delaware, with her daughters and friends. She enjoyed a competitive card game of 31 whenever someone had a deck of cards and four quarters.

Mary always had a smile on her face and knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Numidia, and Valley Chemical Fire Company, Numidia.

Services will be Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 27A Ringtown Mountain Road, Numidia, with Pastor Gordon Smith officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at the Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 193 McIntyre Road, Catawissa, and Monday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Family and friends may send online condolences to allenrhornefuneralhome.com.

The Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Catawissa, is handling arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary B (Brecht) Leighow, please visit our floral store.