Mary Jane (Zipprodt) Leach passed away on October 20, 2013 in Champaign. Born October 4, 1921 in Bond County, Illinois, Mary Jane is survived by her children Bob (Bette) Leach of Urbana and Janet (David) Peshkin of Champaign, and daughter-in-law, Sue Davis, her grandchildren Kelly Russell of Champaign, Julia Snapp of Burlington, VT, Cathy Snapp of Brooklyn, NY, and Ian Snapp of Burlington, VT, two great-grandchildren, Bryson and Lance, and many loving Oliveira nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents Annie (Bryce) and Charles M. Zipprodt, her son, Jim Leach, Jr., her brother, Charlie Zipprodt, her sister, Margaret Oliveira, and her husband, James Leach.

Mary Jane Leach grew up in Lawrenceville, Illinois, and graduated from Lawrenceville High School. She attended MacMurray College and the University of Illinois. She also attended mortuary school in St. Louis and was one of the first licensed female morticians in Illinois. In addition to a career at the family mortuary in Lawrenceville, Mary Jane led a very diverse life. From their home foundries in Urbana and then in Lawrenceville, Mary Jane worked with her husband Jim in casting unique pieces in aluminum and bronze for local companies, artists, the University, and others. She was also very active in PEO, a philanthropic educational organization for women, in which she was involved for many years and was a Life Member.

Following her husband's retirement from the UI, they moved back to their home in Lawrenceville, where they spent 25 years. Mary Jane was active in the Lawrenceville Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with their many friends in the community. Mary Jane loved listening to and performing all kinds of music especially piano and organ music.

No service will be held. Her body is being donated to the Anatomical Gift Society. Friends and family are invited to pay respects on Sunday, November 3, at 1711 Brighton Ct., Champaign from 1 to 3 pm. Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL, is assisting with arrangements.