Mary Ann Leigh, 85, of Melbourne, Fla., after a long illness, passed away peacefully in Melbourne, Fla. Mary Ann’s good friend, Daniel Bryan, was by her side at the time of her passing.
She was born in Burton, on Dec. 22, 1937, to the late Thomas C. and Verna Leigh.
Mary Ann graduated from Newbury High School, Newbury Township, Ohio, in 1956. She was granted a Diploma in Nursing in 1959 from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, Cleveland.
In June 1987, she graduated from Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing. She received a Master of Science degree in maternal child nursing from the University of Texas at Austin via the Air Force Institute of Technology program in 1981.
Mary Ann had a long career in service to others, as a civilian and in active-duty service to the United States Air Force, where she achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
During her civilian career, Lt. Colonel Leigh was employed by St. Luke’s Hospital, in Cleveland, from 1959 to 1961. She was a charge nurse at Children’s Hospital, in Denver, Colo., from 1961 to 1963. Lt. Colonel Leigh’s affiliation with the Babies’ and Children Hospital of University Hospitals, Cleveland, lasted from 1963 to 1970. From 1978 until entering active duty, she was supervisor of pediatrics and orthopedics at Tour Infirmary, New Orleans, La.
Lt. Colonel Leigh was initially commissioned on June 14, 1972, as a captain in the Air Force Reserves assigned to the 70th Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, AFRES, Naval Air Station, New Orleans, Belle Chasse, Louisiana. While a member of the reserves, she graduated from Flight Nurse School at Brooks AFB, Texas, in December 1972. She entered extended active duty on Aug. 4, 1973, and was assigned to Mather AFB, California.
While assigned at Mather AFB, Lt. Colonel Leigh attended Pediatric Nurse Practitioner School at the School of Health Care Sciences, Sheppard AFB, in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1975. After certification as pediatric nurse practitioner, she accepted a variety of assignments which included Germany, Japan and the United States.
Lt. Colonel Leigh’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three devices, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with five devices, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the National Defense Service Medal with one device, Air Force Long-Tour Overseas Service Ribbon with one device, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with three devices and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
Mary Ann was a Fellow in the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners, and participated in ongoing recertification programs. During her years of service, Lt. Colonel Leigh completed Nursing Service Management and Squadron Officer’s School via correspondence. She also completed Air Command and Staff School as well as Air War College via seminar.
After her retirement from the USAF, Mary Ann started working for HOPE clinical services and cared for the homeless and indigent people of Brevard County. Once she fully retired, Mary Ann relocated to Melbourne City and became very involved in volunteering within the community’s aging institute and cultural center.
Mary Ann spent her last couple of decades befriending a family who had spent their holidays and shared every special occasion. She vacationed together and cared for their children as an adopted grandmother.
Mary Ann leaves behind a grateful loving Melbourne family: Dan Bryan, Deborah Morrison-Metz, Bruce Metz, Erika and Danny Spencer, Max Yesowitch and Melinda Schmitz.
She will be greatly missed by her sister, Ellen McNett; close friend, Daniel Bryan; and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas C. and Verna Leigh; and brothers, Edward J. and Thomas Leigh.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Newbury United Community Church, in Newbury Township, with Rev. Bob Richardson officiating.
Immediately following the service, interment with Military Honors will be at South Newbury Cemetery.
The post Mary Ann Leigh first appeared on Geauga County Maple Leaf.