Lois (Bauman) Leich

Lois (Bauman) Leich, 97, of Evansville, widow of Alexander Leich, passed away Monday, April 7, 2008, at the Heritage Center.

Mrs. Leich was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 1, 1910. At the age of 5 she came to Evansville, where her father was a broker of fine Southern hardwoods for the local furniture industry. Mrs. Leich attended both Wheeler and Campbell elementary schools, graduating in 1928 in one of the first classes to complete four years at Bosse High School. In 1932, she graduated from Wellesley College, with an additional year at Evansville College for a teacher's certification. For several years she taught English at Reitz High School.

Mrs. Leich's lifelong interests focused on strengthening public education and identifying the needs of the arts community. She was part of a group that brought Channel 9 to Evansville. She served as a docent at the Evansville Museum's earlier location. Her involvement in the arts included being a founding member of the Arts and Education Council, the Philharmonic Guild and the Museum Guild. She became an organizer of the Harlaxton Society and the Samuel Johnson Society at the University of Evansville, as well as the Arts and Humanities Council at USI. She was a former president of the Maternal Health League, a member of the Junior League, and a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she was deeply involved in the acquisition of its Fisk organ and in the Sacred Arts Series. She greatly valued her 50-year membership in the New Century Club, founded in 1894. Widely read, she had an appreciation for the richness of the English language. She took pleasure in teaching English as a second language to the children of Vietnamese refugees.

Mrs. Leich's husband of 58 years died in 1997. With him she shared the honor of receiving the 1983 Mayor's Arts Award.

Mrs. Leich is survived by her daughters, Martha Fox and husband, James, of Allentown, Pa., Alexandra Leich of Evansville, Gertrude Foroughi and husband, Abbas, of Evansville, and Martha B. Velasquez of Colombia, South America, whose scholarly interests she encouraged over the last 30 years; and four grandchildren, Charles and Katherine Fox and Matt and Leila Foroughi.

The family wishes to thank Mrs. Leich's devoted caregivers at Riverwalk Communities, The Horizon Unit of Heritage Center, her special friend at Heritage, Katie McLemore, and Heritage Hospice staff for their loving care and support.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by the Rev. Kevin Fleming. Friends may visit from noon until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 609 SE 2nd Street, Evansville, IN 47713, the Evansville Museum of Arts, Science and History, 411 SE Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN 47713, or the Vanderburgh Humane Society, 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.

April 9, 2008

The Leich family has my deepest sympathy. Lois was a wonderful friend to my mother--they met at Wheeler School at age 6 and remained friends for the rest of their lives. Meredith Miller Kling (Cos Cob, CT)

April 9, 2008

David and I send our deepest condolences. My family has been privileged to have known Lois, Alex, and daughters for so many years. Lois will be remembered for her graciousness. Fondly, Madeleine and David Schmitt (Evansville, IN)

April 9, 2008

My sincere condolence to the family. Barbara Cooke (Riverwalk Friend) Evansville, IN

April 9, 2008

My sister and I loved Lois like a mother and admired all of her wonderful traits. She was truly a grand person who accomplished so much for the community. I spent many happy hours at her house as a child with her youngest daughter. Marcia Barclay (Evansville, IN)

April 9, 2008

We have such wonderful memories of Aunt Lois leading us along the Leich Historic Trail with such joy and enthusiasm in Evansville, and of our delightful times together in New Harmony, and in St. Louis. We will miss her warm and loving notes, and knowing that she's watching over her beloved river. One day we would love to see her river poems. But meanwhile we send our deep love and sympathy to our dear cousins Martha, Alexandra, Trudel and their families whom she loved so much. We will miss her, but she will always be part of our hearts. Martha and John Bewick (Hingham, MA)

April 10, 2008

The Monday bridge club now is complete. My mother Elizabeth (Tino) Miller and Lois are partners hoping to win the bid. They were lifelong friends meeting each other at Wheeler School. Marcia Miller Barclay (Evansville, IN)

April 10, 2008

Alexandra, I will be thinking of you in the days ahead. I know you will miss your mother dearly, but she had a life well lived and you were blessed. Love always, Mary Ellen Buckman (Newburgh, IN)

April 10, 2008

Rest in peace Ms. Leich, I will see you at the crossroads in Heaven. To the family, Hold to Gods unchanging hands and allow him to order your steps. I pray that God will continue to hold you in his loving arms during your time of bereavement. Patricia Hunter-Fox (Evansville, IN)