Helen Kay Leach

Obituary for Helen “Kay” Leach (Kazulin)
April 30, 1942 — May 24, 2018
Family, food, heritage, car shows, nature, keeping up to date, and a big, loving heart — that’s what made Helen “Kay” Leach (Kazulin) the beloved person she was.
Lifelong resident of Tacoma, in 1961, she was in the first graduating class at Woodrow Wilson High School.
In 1963, Kay married her friend since seventh grade, Tom Leach.
Together, they had two sons, Scott and Michael. Kay is survived by her husband, her sons and their wives Jill and Angehla (Angie), as well as her grandchildren Brandon, Shawna, Elena, Anna, Ian, and her mother Mary Kazulin (Barcott).
A long time foodie, good cook, and appreciative eater, Kay had a great time feeding people. She was famous for those last day of school hot dog parties, her Rites of Spring artichoke feeds for family and friends, car show picnics and some delicious cookies.
She was very active in PTA and a room mother.
Kay was a big fan of spending time with family and friends at car events and shows —as an always good looking passenger in her 1932 Ford coupe, a member of the Hot Rod Support team, and a big part food planning and preparation.
Her family’s homeland, Croatia, was a big part in Kay’s life. An active member of the Slav Hall (the Slavonian American Benevolent Society in Old Town Tacoma), Kay attended dinners, festivals, and cooking classes and marched wth the hall’s entry in the Junior Daffodil Parade. Yes, that was her, bribing judges with plates of her home baked cookies. Kay also participated in language classes at the Slav Hall and traveled to Croatia.
Kay enjoyed her time outdoors by gardening, bird watching, and walking. She was also a big fan of getting out of town — camping, fishing, clamming and napping in the ocean dunes under her big straw hat.
“Stop the car, Tom! “ She was always ready for garage sales, swap meets and antique stores.
Helen “Kay” Leach from the Kazulin clan was loved as an open minded, big hearted and energetic woman. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral will be held Wednesday, June 6, 11am at Saint Patrick Church, 1001 North J Street, Tacoma.


Arrangements by Edwards Memorial, Funerals Homes, Chapels and Crematories.
253-566-1008

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