Mary E. Leitch

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Leitch (née Crenshaw), lovingly known to family and friends as “Mary Liz,” passed away at the age of 89 on March 16th, 2026 at her home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary Liz lived a life deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and guided by love for God, her family, and her community.

Mary Liz, was born on July 23, 1936, in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond in 1954 and went on to attend St. Joseph’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics in 1958.

On November 8 of that same year in Richmond, she married the love of her life, William Patrick “Bill” Leitch Jr. Together they began a life of adventure, spending their early married years in Morocco from 1959 to 1962 while Bill served with the Navy. They later settled in Niskayuna in 1962 when Bill began working at General Electric. The family spent three years in Boxford, Massachusetts, before returning to Niskayuna, the community they would make their home and remain active in for the rest of their lives.

Mary Liz’s life was marked by her active involvement in the community she was in. She was a member of many organizations, including the Colonial Dames of Virginia, Ladies of Charity, Friends of the Library, Proctors, and AAUW. She enjoyed volunteering at her church, St. Kateri Catholic Church, and spending time with her beloved friends at long-standing luncheon and bridge groups. Her love of teaching began in Morocco, where she taught kindergarten, and continued throughout her life as she taught religious education and shared her faith with younger generations. She also served as a Brownie troop leader and 4-H leader. Later, after her children had grown, Mary Liz and her dear friend Lois Berke ran a business together called “Treasure Hunters,” a venture they enjoyed for many decades.

She loved exploring God’s beautiful world and traveled extensively. Her winters were often spent on Sanibel Island in Florida, while her summers were filled with beautiful memories at the family lake home in Galway, New York. Italy held a special place in her heart, and she was grateful to have visited many times.

Mary Liz was a constant and loving presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event or activity and was always there to cheer from the sidelines at hockey, soccer and tennis games of her son. She attended volleyball games and swim meets for her grandchildren and even made it to the football field to watch her great-grandson play. Her encouragement and support were gifts her family will always remember.

Mary Liz is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Bill; her beloved children, Sue Pettit (Henry) of Burnt Hills and William P. “Bill” Leitch III (Amy) of St. Thomas, VI; and her granddaughters, Jessica Pettit-Tarquinio (Nico) and Meghan Pettit (Brian Peters). She will be deeply missed by her great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “G.G.”: Ronan, Orson, Madigan, and Leonardo Tarquinio; and Declan and Lucy Pettit. She is also survived by her four sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many cherished friends, including her dearest friend of more than 70 years, Mary Jane Beaulieu.

Mary Liz was predeceased by her parents, Stuart and Mary Crenshaw; her stepmother, Lucy Moore Crenshaw; brother Stuart Lee Crenshaw, and her in-laws, William Sr. and Susan Leitch.

Calling hours will be held from on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 8:00-9:00 am, with Memorial Mass to begin at 9:00 am at St. Kateri Catholic Church on Rosa Road.

The family would like to thank the many staff members of Kingsway Nursing Center, Ellis Hospital and Hospice for their kindness and professional care of Mary Liz. A special thank you to Dr. Chowdhrey and wife Greta, Dr. Nick Montalto and Ed King for their loving friendship and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Liz’s name to St. Kateri Catholic Church.