Mary Jean Leichsenring

Williamsburg-Mary Jean Leichsenring, 91, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, at the Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg. Visitation will be 3:30-5:30 Sunday, October 23, at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Graveside services will be 11:00 Monday, Oct 24, at the Sorden Cemetery near Webster.

Mary Jean was born June 15, 1931, in Webster, Iowa, the daughter of Philo and Nora (Hubbell) Morgan. She graduated as valedictorian of her Thornberg High School class. Mary Jean was united in marriage to Marvin Leichsenring in 1952 and together had one daughter. They later divorced. She was the co-owner of the Hansel and Gretel Preschool and worked part-time for the Creative Living Center in Iowa City. As a longtime salesperson and buyer at the Amana General Store, Mary Jean formed enduring friendships with coworkers and customers.

She was skillful at interior decorating and found joy creating beauty in her home and the homes of others. Nothing pleased her more than finding just the right accent for a room! Mary Jean also expressed her creativity through her beautifully-curated gardens. She delighted in a single perfect iris or rose. Mary Jean had a strong interest in psychology and in learning about people and their stories and was a supportive, thoughtful friend. She was a beloved and generous grandmother and so proud of her grandsons. In her later years she loved baking massive amounts of delicious cookies to share with family and friends.

Mary Jean is survived by her daughter, Shelly (Lauren) Hawkins; grandsons, Evan Hawkins and Aaron (Joanna Moore) Hawkins; sisters, Betty (Howard) Linder and Diane (Dave) Bruns; sister-in-law Jennie Morgan: and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Robert and Merlyn Morgan; and her sisters, Madelon Hotchkiss and Marjorie Baethke.

Sincerest  thanks to the caring staff at Highland Ridge and Essence of Life Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Amana Nature Trails, P.O. Box 42, Amana, IA, 52203, or Essence of Life Hospice at essencehospice.com. Online condolences may be expressed at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.