LEIGH PEMPEK

She was born December 3, 1959, to Edward and Anne Soukup of Maynard, OH; the fourth of the five Soukup Girls.

Leigh loved with a power and reach that words cannot fully encompass. Anyone blessed to have encountered her will remember this love, as well as the sound of her infectious laughter and her mischievous smile. She was a rock in the Fairpoint community, and a day never passed where she did not put others first. For more than a decade, her beautiful voice could be heard leading the children’s choir at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where she also served as the music teacher. Leigh was also a gifted artist and loved every animal she encountered.

Leigh could always be found on the family farm, where she happily prioritized family above all else. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 41 years, Stanley “Stas” Pempek; her son, Staff Sergeant Joshua (Amanda) Pempek; and her daughters, Dr. Jessica Pempek and Angalena Takach. Her greatest joy was being “Bubby” to her two granddaughters, Karis and Sophia.

In addition to those above, Leigh is survived by her four sisters, Pam (Perry) Jones of St. Clairsville, OH, Denise (David) Berilla of Lewes, DE, Lynne (Edward) Odorizzi of Powell, OH, and Lisa (Chester) Mick of St. Clairsville, OH; her nieces and nephews, Scott Hall-Jones, Bryan Jones, Anna Nutter, Jennifer Egan, Lauren Hlavaty, Taylor Mick, and Brigee Mick; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and neighbors and friends too numerous to name.

Leigh was preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as her mother-in-law, Anne; and father-in-law, Stanley “Pistol.”

Her family takes comfort knowing that she is playing euchre and fishing with her parents in heaven while making others laugh.

A private service for the family will be held this week, and Leigh’s ashes will be spread on the farm she loved so much. Arrangements are entrusted to Toothman Funeral Home.