Janet Leadingham

Janet Joan Leadingham, 83, passed away December 15, 2012 in Sistersville, WV. Jan was born February 16, 1929 in Freeport, IL a daughter of the late John and Emma Schroeder. She grew up on a farm in Forreston, IL, graduated as a Registered Nurse in Rockford, IL and like so many youth from a farm community, moved to the big city as soon as she could. In 1952 she moved to Hollywood, CA where she worked at Queen of Angels. She married in 1957 and lived all over Southern California until settling in the San Fernando Valley where she spent over 25 years as a nurse, supervisor and clinic administrator at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City, raised two children and hosted several pinochle/bridge games, sorority meetings, and gatherings for the fun of it. She is survived by daughter, Annie Seay and son in law Jonathan of Lima, WV; son, John Leadingham of California; her greatest joy and grandson, Sam Seay; seven nieces, a nephew, friends across the country and the surrogate daughters (of particular note: Donna Smith Belhadj) who were regular guests at the Weddington house. A member of the Sherman Oaks Presbyterian Church for over 35 years, she was honored to serve as a deacon, elder and nursery school commissioner. SOPC was her second home and the place she missed most when she left California to be cared for by her daughter. Both daughter, Annie and son, John would like to thank the wonderful kind-hearted caregivers who embraced Jan as a part of their family: Rada Weekley, Dottie, Linda and Anna, the nurses and administrators of Journey Hospice, The Heritage at St. Marys and Sistersville Nursing Home. Jan has gone to meet family and friends who have gone before at the long picnic table under the giant oak tree where the wildflower meadow meets the Pacific ocean. There she will enjoy rousing games of cards, a place where college football tailgate parties reign supreme and where USC (University of Southern California) beats Stanford every time. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers Simon and David, and one sister, Katie. Services will be held in Illinois and California at the convenience of the family. Myers Funeral Home is assisting the family.