Obituary of Ann Leach, CSJ

Sister Ann William Leach, CSJ

Ann William was a passionate and caring teacher, an ever-present friend and gracious host, a strong proponent for the sanctity of life, and a woman of deep faith. She was born Mary Ann, on a farm in Bird Island, MN, on January 4, 1928. She was the youngest of 10 children born to William and Juliana (Keltgen) Leach. She died peacefully on February 22, 2024, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul. At the age of 17 she was invited by Sister Agnes Ward to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) where she was given the name Sister Ann William (1945). She received a BA in Education and Natural Science from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul (1958) and an MA in Elementary Education and Math from the University of Minnesota (1977). Ann William was first missioned to serve as an elementary school teacher at St. Helena in Minneapolis, St. Mary in Grand Forks, ND, and St. John in St. Paul. She then took her teaching skills to Hawaii, where she served for 22 years as a teacher at St. Joseph in Waipahu, St. Theresa in Honolulu, Christ the King in Maui, and St. Anthony in Wailuku. She returned to the Twin Cities to teach 12 years at Holy Name in Minneapolis and St. Peter’s in Richfield. Ann William then returned to the land and culture she loved so dearly, for another 11 years to work in the St. Anthony High School library in Wailuku, Maui. Once back home to St. Paul Ann William helped to initiate the Gospel of Life Working Group of the CSJ Justice Commission, of which she considered her greatest accomplishment. Ann William was a gregarious, well-spoken participant at community meetings and celebrations and her joyous chuckle will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ann William is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Julia Olson, Eva Wangen, Rose Dingles, and Edna Buschette; brothers Raymond, Robert, John, Walter, and Francis Leach. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, many dear friends, colleagues, and Sisters of St. Joseph and Consociates, St. Paul Province. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM, in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation.

Dear Sister Ann William, rest in love and peace.