Alice Joan "Meme" (Bayer) Leach

Alice Joan “Meme” Leach, 91, of Bedford, died on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at her residence. She was born on June 9, 1933, in Loysburg, a daughter of the late George William and Dora Francis (Kagarise) Bayer. On August 14, 1954, in Loysburg, she married Donald G. Leach, and he preceded her in death on July 20, 2011.  She is survived by two daughters: Nanette J. Schnably and husband Joseph of Bedford; and Theresa L. Montgomery of Bedford; three grandsons: Rylan Schnably and wife Grace of Bedford; Austin Montgomery of Ithaca, NY; and Seth Montgomery of Pittsburgh, PA, life partner of her brother, Marilyn Hamner, and many loved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Replogle and a brother, William “Bill” Bayer.

Joan was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church, where she served as deacon for two terms and continued to volunteer with the church. She was a 1951 Replogle High School and Altoona School of Commerce graduate. She began the first four years of her career as an administrative secretary at Replogle. She also worked at Altoona First and Friends Cove Insurance Company.  The majority of Joan’s career was spent as a school secretary at every level for the Bedford Area School District until her retirement in 2002.  Joan also collected tickets at all BASD sporting events for more than 25 years.

Family was very important to Joan, especially her grandchildren, as they were the love of her life and called her Meme.   She enjoyed attending all her grandchildren’s events and playing games with family (she was quite competitive).  Meme also enjoyed travelling.  Her favorite spots were Hatteras, NC,  Bollman’s bus trips, and Potter County. At 91, she still enjoyed walking and watching Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins games. Meme will be remembered for her service to God, kindness, authenticity, and unconditional love.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Bedford Presbyterian Church in Bedford, with Rev. Jack Miller officiating.  Friends will be received on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.   In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Bedford Trout Unlimited, PO Box 183, Bedford, PA 15522,  or Bedford Presbyterian Church, 145 S. Juliana Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.

Bedford Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 7, Bedford PA 15522
Tel: 1-814-623-6891
Web: http://https://bedfordpresby.com/

Fort Bedford Chapter of Trout Unlimited
PO Box 183, Bedford PA 15522