Janet Joan Leadingham

1929 –2012

 Janet Joan Leadingham, 83, passed away December 15, 2012 in Sistersville, WV. Born February 16, 1929 in Freeport, IL a daughter of the late John and Emma Schroeder.   She grew up on a farm in Forreston, IL, graduated as a Registered Nurse in Rockford, IL and like so many youth from a farm community, moved to the big city as soon as she could.   In 1952 she arrived in Hollywood, CA, where she worked at Queen of Angels.  She married in 1957 and lived all over Southern California until settling in the San Fernando Valley where she spent over 25 years as a nurse, supervisor and clinic administrator at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City, raised two children and hosted several pinochle/bridge games, sorority meetings, and gatherings for the fun of it. She is survived by her two children, son, John & daughter, Annie:  son-in-law Jonathan;  her greatest joy, his royal highness and golden child the one and only grandchild, Sam; seven nieces (Louise, Judy, Cynthia, Pam, Kim, Laurie & Joanie), nephew (Mark). Her dear friends across the country and the surrogate sons and daughters who were regular guests at the Weddington house, particularly Donna, who was like a second daughter to her. A member of the Sherman Oaks Presbyterian Church for over 35 years, she was honored to serve as a deacon, elder and nursery school commissioner.  SOPC was her second home and the place she missed most when she left California to be cared for by her daughter. Both, Annie and John would like to thank the wonderful kind-hearted caregivers who embraced Jan as a part of their family, the nurses and administrators of Journey Hospice, The Heritage at Saint Mary’s and Sistersville Nursing Home.   To the many members of SOPC who would send cards and call when she moved to West Virginia.  To her many friends who made her laugh and filled her heart with joy.  And to those special few who would bring her ice cream when she could no longer drive:  Jeanine, Pat, Luella and Mary. Jan has gone to meet family and friends who have gone before at the long picnic table under the giant oak tree where the wildflower meadow meets the Pacific Ocean.  There she will enjoy rousing games of cards, a place where college football tailgate parties reign supreme, and where USC beats Stanford and UCLA every time. She is deeply missed, though she would tell you “Remember the good times. And, oh, we had had such good times!” In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by two brothers Simon and David, and one sister, Katie.   Click to return to the SOPC In Memorium Page