Mildred Louise “Millie” Leach, age 102, of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Claymont, DE departed this earth peacefully at home and went to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
Millie was born in Shiprock, NM and was the daughter of the late Anna Louise (Trenner) and Charles Lancaster Campbell. She was actually born on a Navajo Reservation to missionary parents, then moved to Pasadena, CA before becoming a boarding student at Wheaton Academy, IL. Her parents moved to Wheaton when she was a student at Wheaton College.
Millie worked her way through college at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and graduated from Wheaton College with a B.S. in Music in 1942. She accepted an offer to teach music at Columbia Bible College, SC and while she was there, she earned her Master’s Degree in Biblical Education. This is where she met her husband, Paul.
Following the family’s move to Delaware, Millie worked at DuPont for a few years until Paul completed Seminary and both accepted jobs (she, the office manager/bookkeeper) at Woods Haven School for Girls, Claymont, DE.
After substituting at various schools, Millie started her full-time teaching career in 1958-1959 school year in the former De La Warr School District. Millie received her Teaching Certificate from the University of Delaware in the early 60’s and continued her thirst for knowledge beyond Master’s Degree, plus 30 credits. She spent most of her 25-year career at Colwyck Elementary. Following her retirement, she volunteer-taught for a year at Claymont Christian Academy.
The praise of her Lord was an important part of her life, all the way to the end where the font size on a tablet was greatly enlarged so she could read the Bible. Throughout her life, she maintained an interest and support in Indian Mission work. Millie was a former long-time member of Bible Baptist Church of Claymont where she was the pianist/organist/choir director and volunteered for many roles. She was also a cottager at Brandywine Valley Summit Camp where she was one of the musicians and a member of their Ladies Auxiliary.
Millie enjoyed watching sports. In her younger years she was an avid Cubs fan, then later a Phillies and Eagles fan. She also enjoyed reading and crocheting. And if you knew Millie, you know she enjoyed a good debate.
Her husband of 27 years, Paul W. Leach, Sr. died in 1973. She is survived by her 3 sons, Paul William “Bill”, Jr., (Gloria) of Wilmington, DE, Richard James (Debbie) of Wilmington, and John Campbell (Lisa) of Upland, PA; 11 grandchildren, Jacob Leach (FL), Andrew (fiancée Sonal Payne) Leach (FL), Jameson Leach (PA), Margaret (Darren) Mahaffy (VA), Marijanel (Steve) Knight (B.C., Canada), Dan (Cristina) Leach (DE), Will (Sarah) Turner (PA), Brian (Nadine) Turner (PA), Rebecca (Shaun) Orr (DE), Andrea Leach (TX) and Joanna Leach (VA); and 30 great-grandchildren. Millie was also preceded in death by her son, Charles E. Leach, and brothers, Edwin T. Campbell and Gordon L. Campbell.
A viewing will be held on Friday, October 28, from 10-11 am at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, where a funeral service will follow at 11 am. Burial will be at Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, PA.
Livestream of the service: https://my.gather.app/remember/mildred-louise-leach
Life Tribute video for Millie : http://videos.lifetributes.com/1235503
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Sunday Breakfast Mission, 110 N. Poplar St., Wilmington, DE 19801 or to Across Nations (formerly Western Indian Ministries) PO Box 9090, Window Rock, AZ 86515
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
