Mary M. Leach, 61, of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2017 at her residence with her family at her side. Services will be held at 7:00 pm, Friday, June 2, 2017 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, officiated by Rev. Matt Wentz. A visitation will be held from 4-8 with family present from 6-8 on Friday at the funeral home.

Mary was born on March 25, 1956 in Billings, Montana, the daughter of Morris and June (Fairburn) Paronto. Mary graduated from East High School in Sioux City in 1974. Following graduation, she attended Western Iowa Tech to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Mary started working as an LPN at Indian Hills/Touchstone Nursing Home in 1974. During her many years as the North Side Charge Nurse she was instrumental in the shaping of many new Nurses and Aids. Mary worked tirelessly to ensure that her residents were made to feel like family and always treated with the greatest of care. She prided herself on the ability to maintain order in a chaotic setting. Mary had a quote that “You can handle anything for eight hours” and she lived by that motto. She worked at the nursing home for 38 years, only retiring in 2014 due to illness.

Mary enjoyed crocheting, knitting, gardening, and going on cruises. In the last few years, Mary spent many hours playing Farmville on Facebook and reconnecting with friends. Family, friends, and her pets, were the most important aspects of her life. She touched everyone with her infectious smile and loving heart. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have met her.

Survivors include her mother, June Paronto; children, Matt (Kelly) Paronto, Jesse Leach, and Sarah Leach, all of Sioux City; siblings, David (Yvonne) Paronto of Sioux City, Lorraine (Rich) Anderson of Salix, and Dianna Chase of Sioux City; grandchildren, Hannah, Breana, Mitchell, MaryEllen, Zackary, and Thor, the cat; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, and her husband.