Constance (Connie) Ann Barrett Leach, fortified by the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, entered into everlasting  life Monday evening, February 21, 2022. Her passing was peaceful and accompanied by her children and grandchildren,  who lovingly cared for her through the very end of her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  

Born in St. Louis on June 13, 1939, to former Missouri State Senator John P. (Jack) Barrett and Dolores (Dee) Miller  Barrett, Connie lived a full and fulfilling life centered on the three things she valued most: God, family, and friends. 

Connie was educated at Visitation Academy, where she excelled in varsity sports and was an avid figure ice skater with  her partner and belated brother, Bob Barrett. She continued her love of sports throughout her life as a golfer, tennis  player, water skier, and softball coach for her daughters’ teams.  

Connie nourished her faith in God through a dedicated prayer life, regular Mass attendance, and generously devoting  her time and talent to those in need through countless acts of kindness to neighbors and those she encountered each  day. She was a loving and devoted caretaker of her own parents in their later years. 

Connie’s truest calling was lifelong devotion to family. She was a wonderful and loving mother of four and a tenaciously  fun and active nana to 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom was self-convinced they were her  favorite. She loved hosting large Christmas celebrations in her winter wonderland home, stockings for all, mountains of  thoughtful gifts, and sometimes even a live Santa. Connie helped support her family through a long career in sales, culminating as the founder of a 20-year successful physician office billing service. 

If you ask a room full of people, “who here is Connie’s best and dearest friend?” everyone would likely raise their hand.  Connie’s friendship was treasured because of her unique ability to focus on each friend’s individuality. Her most  endearing legacy is her strong and lasting friendships and her love of meeting new people, taking them under her wing  to lend an ear, give sound advice, and make them feel welcome. Her ability to bring joy and laughter, often at her own  expense, was renowned and cherished. 

Connie is survived by her four children Christy McCollom (Kyle), Dede Stanko (Joe), David Spitznagel, and Michele Kelly  (Sean) and her 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Kyle Jr., Amy (Jeff), Connie, Jack, Jim, Austin, Tom, Emma,  Nora, Ella, Georgia, Gianna, Nia, Lily, Rose, and Remi. She is also survived by her sister Mary Siebert (Dave). She was  predeceased by her husband James (Pete) Leach and her parents and brother mentioned above.  

Connie will be dearly missed by many, many friends who loved her joy of living and who loyally supported her well into  her Alzheimer’s journey, especially her lifelong side-kick, laugh-til-they-cried partner and soul mate Janene Fitzgibbon  Bittick and Janene’s husband, Howard. 

In lieu of flowers, Connie would love for you to continue her legacy in supporting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Connie’s memorial mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Incarnate Word Catholic Church at 13416 Olive Blvd. A reception and lunch will follow in the Watson room of the church.