March 9, 1945-November 26, 2024

It is with sadness reporting the passing of Theresa A. (Terry) Leach.

Theresa became ill on November 9, 2024. After hospitalization in Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Gloucester, Va., and Sentara Hospital, Virginia Beach, she peacefully completed her mission on earth in the early morning hours of November 26, 2024.

She was born on March 9, 1945 to William S. Whitty and Mary E. Felix Whitty in Boston, Mass., the older of eight siblings.

She attended schools in Foxboro, Mass., followed by studies at the Boston Conservatory of Music. There she began her singing career and she was the lead performer in opera in the U.S. and Europe.

Terry met the true love of her life, Marc Raymond Leach, when she sang in Provincetown, Mass., at a summer job. They immediately became fast friends leading to marriage on October 15, 1966. Music was her second love—Marc was her true beloved.

In the late 1960s, Theresa and Marc moved to Mathews, Va. She worked in various positions over the years: manager at a fast-food business, office manager at a seafood business, Mathews Social Services employee, choir director, voice teacher, elementary school aide with remedial math being her joy. Then she became the caregiver for Marc as his health failed. In all her days, she loved preparing treats for children at Halloween. Orange lights decorated her porch early in the fall and she anticipated the fun and smiles on faces of “her kids.” She loved God and Country and was intelligent, articulate, talented and independent. She was also a communicator who kept in touch with friends far and near with lovely thoughtful and inspiring notes—which included an origami swan or butterfly she had made especially for the receiver.

Terry and Marc lived the rest of their days in their home in “The Glebe.” Though a simple dwelling, it was their special sanctuary of love and safety. When Marc departed on August 16, 2012, a large part of Terry’s heart went with him. She longed for the time she would be reunited with him. Their lives were a beautiful example of true devoted love.

This soul will always be missed by those who knew her. Farewell, ’til we meet again.