Mary V. Leach, 82, longtime resident of Amherst, NH, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 29, 2011, at her daughter’s home in Milford, NH.

She was born in Manchester, NH on January 18, 1929, a daughter of Maurice and Agnes (O’Connor) Syrek and was raised by her Auntie Ellen Buckley in Milford.

Mrs. Leach was educated in Milford and graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1948.

She loved cats and especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Time she spent with them was very special to her. She also was very fond of visiting the local flea markets to find trinkets and enjoyed long day trips with friends and family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Everett A. Leach, who died in 1984.

Family members include four sons and daughters-in-law, Michael E. and Elaine Leach of Penacook, NH, Kevin A. and Helen Leach , Timothy A. and Heather Leach, Keith J. and Jill Leach, all of Milford; a daughter, Donna M. Leach of Milford, NH; eight grandchildren; and a sister, Lucienne Cardin of Nashua, NH; many nieces and nephews.

There are no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 4th at 10:00 am in St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH. Burial will follow in Meadowview Cemetery, Amherst, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Home, Health and Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.