Blanche Muriel Leich (née Pinnell) was born Monday, December 17, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York .
she died Friday, June 15, 2007. her recorded age was 89.
"Penny" Blanch M. Leich (89) passed from this world on June 15th. Penny was a native of Brooklyn, NY where he became a concert pianist and an Olympic contending swimmer. She obtained a BA from Adelphi University and a Master's degree from Columbia University. Penny taught high school and college business classes for 25 years. She married her sweetheart, Harvey, in 1941 and traveled with him between NY and CA while he served in the US Marine Corps during WWII. She was a very loving mother, who despite a severe disability worked tirelessly on behalf of her family and successfully ensured opportunities for her children. The family settled in Farmingdale, NY until 1954 when they moved to Worthington, Ohio, where they lived for 25 years. Penny has been active in the church, but in Ohio her long term of community service took flight when she nearly single-handedly brought kindergarten to the Worthington Schools. In addition to many other civic activities, she developed and directed, as a volunteer, a Meals on Wheels Programs for many years. In 1979, the family moved to CA and settled in the Routt area in 1980. Penny again became well known for her advocacy work and she received numerous awards as a result. Among her recognitions was the Columbus, Ohio Citizen Journal PTA worker of 1963, and "exemplary Efforts Award in Support of the Santa Maria Bonita School District," the "CA State Assembly Certificate of Recognition for Advocacy on Behalf of Seniors and Persons with Disabilities" in 1999. Penny served on the Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission for 16 years, from 1991 until this year. She took an active part in the design of the Orcutt Presbyterian Church, as well as the development of the church Bell Choir. Penny is preceded in death by her husband Harvey and son George Leich. She is dearly missed by daughters Carol and Susan, son-in-law Nick Dalessio, grandson Neil and his wife Nat, and great-granddaughters, Ayana and Amali and many friends. The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30th at Orcutt Presbyterian Church, 993 Patterson Road, Santa Maria. Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oasis Senior Center, or the service organization of your choosing will be appreciated. Flowers will be most welcome at the church service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and Crematory.