Elizabeth Leech

Elizabeth Leech (née Sopko), 85, passed from this life on October 16, 2023. Born October 1, 1938, in Streator, IL to George and Anne (née Collner) Sopko. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Edward Leech, her parents, her son-in-law Paul St. Michel, and an infant sister. She is survived by a twin sister, Ellen (Stephen) Cacic, her five children, Mary Leech, Cathy St. Michel, Ellen (Brad) Mitchell, Julie (Dave) Smith, and Edward (Lisa) Leech, six grandchildren, Brian (Christen) St. Michel, Kevin (Kate) St. Michel, Everett Mitchell, Nola Smith, Kotaa Leech, and Artie Leech, and four (and a half) great-grandchildren. She was beloved by her extended family and numerous friends.

She graduated from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in 1960 with a degree in chemistry. After graduation she worked at the FDA until she started her family. Liz was devoted to her family, and often said her greatest accomplishment was the closeness of her children to each other. Liz had a strong faith and prayer life, with a true servant’s heart demonstrated by how she helped others without hesitation. She was a gifted seamstress, quilter, and gardener. As a passionate Cubs fan since childhood, Liz rooted for the Cubs throughout her life and was overjoyed with their 2016 World Series Championship.

Liz and Ed were avid campers, and one of their favorite places to visit was the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. After Ed’s retirement, she and Ed would often go on nature hikes and visit places where they could watch wildlife. They often went to Florida, where sisters of both Liz and Ed lived. Those who knew her appreciated her always-optimistic personality, her kindness, and her beautiful smile.

Visitation on Friday, October 27, 2023, 3:00-8:00 pm and Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10:30-11:00 am at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 S. Wolf Road, Mokena, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at St. Mary Church, Mokena, at 11:30 am. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Mokena. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Liz’s honor to Autism Speaks or to the LuMind IDSC Down Syndrome Foundation. For more information on services, call 708-479-1210 or visit www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com