Patricia Ann Leake

Patricia Ann Leake, age 84, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 16, 1941, in Christchurch, New Zealand, to Francis Leonard Patrick Sheahan and Dorothy Ada Sheahan. Patricia proudly became a United States citizen on January 15, 1974. On November 8, 1975, she married the love of her life, Laurence Wayne Leake. As a devoted Navy wife, Patricia embraced the adventure of military life and cherished the opportunity to travel the world. While stationed in Japan, she taught English to Japanese students, an experience she treasured deeply. Travel was one of Patricia’s great passions. Her favorite destination was Africa, where she delighted in safaris and had a special fondness for elephants. She captured many of these experiences through her lens and artwork, as Patricia was also a talented photographer and artist. Her creativity extended beyond her travels and into every part of her life. Patricia devoted herself to education and public service through many meaningful careers. She worked as a special-needs teacher at Rocky Run Middle School in Chantilly, Virginia, taught theater, and later concluded her professional career as a Deputy Clerk at the Spotsylvania County Courthouse in Virginia. A gifted storyteller, Patricia was also a published author who wrote two children’s books inspired by and dedicated to her beloved grandchildren. Patricia lived life to the fullest. She was outgoing, witty, and known for her incredible sense of humor. Above all, she loved her family fiercely and unconditionally, and her warmth, creativity, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Leonard Patrick Sheahan and Dorothy Ada Sheahan; her brother, John Sheahan; and her sister, Maree Sheahan. She is survived by her devoted husband, Laurence Wayne Leake; her son, Jamieson Andrew Leake; her daughter, Rebecca Leake Kruse; her son-in-law, Ryan Christopher Kruse; and her cherished grandchildren, Autumn Leake, Kylie Leake, Michelle Kruse, and Graham Kruse. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Patricia’s caregivers, Lisa Gregory and Kaitlyn Fish, for their endless love, compassion, and unwavering support to Patricia and her family. A funeral service will be held on December 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, VA 20155. A funeral reception will be held immediately following the funeral service at Regency at Dominion Valley, 15351 Championship Drive, Haymarket, VA 20169. Arrival Instructions for funeral reception: Please enter through the left-side visitor’s gate. Inform the gate attendant that you are attending Patricia Leake’s Celebration of Life. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Patricia’s memory to one of her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the World Wildlife Fund. Patricia’s legacy of love, creativity, courage, and generosity will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Patricia Ann Leake

March 16, 1941 - December 10, 2025