Leah Marie Theisen, 82, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Friday, August 23, 2024, at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore.

 She was born February 3, 1942, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the daughter of Horace L. and Alta (Bishop) Hyatt. The oldest of three girls, Le attended school in Colorado Springs, and Widefield, Colorado. Although she left school at the end of her sophomore year,  after having two children she later obtained her GED and graduated from Eastern Illinois University, earning a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education.

 With certification in teaching both learning Disabled and Educable Mentally Handicapped students, Le spent 20 years in the public education system, including ten years pioneering the first elementary L.D. program in Newman, IL, and ten years establishing the first High School Cross-categorical classroom in Oblong, IL. During this time, she also served ten years as a volunteer EMT, EMT Instructor, EMT Instructor Trainer as well as teaching community based CPR and First Responder classes.

 Always pursing the essence of a faith based life; Le was active in a number of churches of different dominations, including The Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she often served as Pulpit Supply Laity Minister in several of the smaller churches.

 In 1994, Leah returned to Eastern Illinois University where she received her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. As High school /Jr. High School Principal in Findlay, IL, she was one of only 17% of Illinois High School Principals who were female. She later became the Elementary/Middle School Principal in Flanagan, IL, until her retirement in 2002.

 Following her retirement, Le moved to DeKalb, IL where she joined the Catholic Church, and married the love of her life, Raymond Theisen, founder of Theisen Roofing. Finding great satisfaction in both endeavors, Leah became active in The Church, serving as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, as a Lector, was a member of the Liturgy Commission, and held the office of Vice Regent of Court Immaculate Conception #991 of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

 Among her many other varied interests. Leah enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidery, playing Bridge, reading and writing. One of her proudest accomplishments was writing and publishing two books: Through the Eyes of the Carpenter, which was a fictionalized accounting of Joseph’s journey to becoming the earthly father to God’s son , and Of Sunshine and Shadows which was a compilation of her lifetime of poetry.

 One of her most special interests was her collection of nativity sets, inspired by a gift from one of her beloved students. At the time of her death the collection numbered almost 350 unique and individual sets from all over the world. These where previously donated to Marmion Abbey.

 Leah is survived by her grandsons Dylan (Kelly) Ozier of Colorado and Derek Hague (Cassi) of Albuquerque, NM; her great-granddaughters Charlotte Rain and Venus Leah.

 From her marriage to Ray, Leah proudly acquired three step-sons Jeffrey (Cindy) Theisen of Aurora, IL, Timothy (Julie) Theisen Sarasota, FL, and Brian (Tammy) Theisen of Clinton, WI; as well as six step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren.

 She was preceded in death by her daughter Lara (Jim) Keithley; her parents; her husband Raymond G Theisen; her three year old son Ernest Ray (Buzzy) Fergueson Jr.; her sisters Linda Smith and Karen Davis; and a well loved and much admired son-in-law James W. Keithley.

 Leah’s family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Lincolnshire of Sycamore for the compassionate care given to her.

 Private entombment of cremated remains will be held at a later date at St Mary’s Cemetery in DeKalb.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Vincent De Paul at St Mary’s Church or a Charity of Choice in memory of Leah Marie Theisen in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

 For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.