MaryAnn Roddy Leigh

MaryAnn Roddy Leigh, 74, of Warren, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2009 at St. Joseph Health Center. She was born January 3, 1935 in Youngstown, the daughter of Frank R. and Ann E. (Halwood) Roddy.

MaryAnn was a member of the First United Church of Christ of Warren, where she served as a deacon, an elder, a Sunday School teacher, and with the Heidelberg Guild. She also served on many committees through the years. Her faith carried her through troubling times and brought her through a long illness.

She did volunteer work as an interested mother at Tod Avenue, Horace Mann, and Alden Schools in Warren.

She was employed as a teacher's assistant at Alden School for 32 years. She worked many years in the Chapter One, Title One literacy programs. Her later years were her greatest love with the all-day Kindergarten program - "her kids." MaryAnn retired in 2000 because of ill health. She left behind her prayers and love for the children.

She also spent 32 years working with the ABLE program of helping adults further their education and study for their GED. She worked in centers all over Trumbull County.

After retirement, she spent her years crocheting baby blankets to celebrate God's gift of a baby. She made quilts (memories) for her children, also. Other hobbies were reading and crossword puzzles.

Surviving are her beloved family: son Robin L. (Diane) Leigh of Leavittsburg, daughter Kimberly J. (Dwayne) Weimer of Fowler, son James R. (Doris) Leigh, Jr. of Champion, and daughter Dawn M. (Bradford) Manley of Warren; six grandchildren: Barbara J. Leigh, Christian D. (Angela) Morrall, Heather A. (Joe) Capan, Amanda L. Weimer, James R. (Laura E.) Leigh III, and Danielle L. Leigh; three great-grandchildren: Angel Jane Drnek, Tyler J. and Hallie M. Capan; two sisters, Elda Schueller of North Jackson and Nancy Pavlicko of Struthers; and two brothers, Frank R. Roddy, Jr. of Cabot, Arkansas and Roy T. (Patricia) Roddy of Hubbard. Preceding her in death are her parents and two sisters, Viola Gooderill and Helen McGlynn.

A memorial service will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2009 at First United Church of Christ, with Rev. Walter A. Coy officiating. Her urn will be interred at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown at a later date. Friends may call 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. Material contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, 280 E. Market St., Warren, Ohio 44481.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.