Elizabeth M. Leach

Elizabeth M. Leach
August 5, 1936 - August 14, 2026
Elizabeth (Betty) M. Leach, of Orleans, was born August 5, 1936 in Brockton, Massachusetts. After graduating from Brockton High School, she married Oliver Clayton Leach. They enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod and decided to make Dennis their home in 1966, along with their two children.  Betty had many years of employment as a secretary at the Dennis Water District, where her job included working with the new computer system.  She and Clayton moved to a new home in Brewster built by their son in 1984, with their children and grandchildren living nearby.
Betty, adored and affectionately known as Grammy, made each birthday and holiday special for her family.  She cooked delicious meals and baked special cakes, along with decorating her home to bring joy to everyone gathered there.  She especially loved Christmas and would have the biggest tree she could fit in the living room, displayed with her large collection of glass ornaments.  A lifelong knitter, Betty always had her yarn and needles nearby, creating yet another beautiful sweater, scarf, or pair of socks. Her family and her church family were frequent recipients of her talents.
Betty and Clayton traveled to bluegrass festivals in their RV, enjoying the music and making new friends. Betty also loved hymns and sang in the choir for many years and in her retirement often volunteered at the Orleans Methodist Church.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her great joy and she continued following their activities, marveling at their accomplishments.
The family was blessed to celebrate Betty’s 90th birthday with her the week before she died.
Betty was deeply loved and is survived by her daughter, Barbara Wood O’Brien and son in law Jim, her son Paul Leach and daughter in law Marcie, her grandchildren: Kelley Wood, Sarah Anderson (Steven), Jesse Wood (Jessica), Meghan Joyce (Kevin), Zachary Leach (Meredith), Colton Leach (Jess), Kelli O’Brien, Somer O’Brien, and 13 great grandchildren, as well as loving nieces and nephews.
Heartfelt thanks to Karen, Dan and Maya, and the staff at Rock Harbor Respite, The Terraces and Bridges at Mashpee for the kindness and support they showed to Elizabeth while she was in their care.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Orleans Methodist Church on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11 am. Following the service there will be a luncheon downstairs in the fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to Rock Harbor Respite or to Orleans Methodist Church.