Mary Alice Leader Galambos

August 2, 1948 – March 28, 2016

Mary Alice Galambos (nee Leader) departed this earth for her heavenly home on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the age of 67. She passed away from ovarian cancer at the family home in Florissant, MO.

Mary entered this world at St. Louis Maternity Hospital on August 2^nd, 1948, the only child of Lawrence Leader and Gladys (Doss) Leader. She grew up in the city of St. Louis, and gave her heart to Christ at West Park Baptist Church in 1959, a decision that shaped the rest of her life. After a move to Overland, she graduated from Ritenour High School in 1966. After attending Hannibal LaGrange College for a year, she transferred to William Jewell College in Liberty, MO where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She became a registered nurse, working in several area hospitals after her return to St. Louis. She joined Overland Baptist Church in 1960 and made it her lifetime church home.

In 1978 she met her husband, Steve, and they were married at OBC on February 17^th, 1979. Through the years at OBC Mary sang in the sanctuary choir, taught children’s choir, Sunday School, both led and mentored the youth group in varying capacities for almost 40 years, and participated in many other ministries including serving as a church pianist for over 30 years, and was chairwoman of deacons at the time of her death.

She was deeply involved in her community including as a Cub Scout den leader in Pack 942, and as a leader in Boy Scout Troop 942. She faithfully served the community in which she lived, including making baby hats for the hospital and as a PTA member, room mom, sports mom, tutor and mentor at the many schools all of her children attended over the years.

Mary lived a very full life. She had a deep love of travel, which carried her all over the United States and to far-flung places such as Israel, Rome, The Netherlands, Ireland & Germany. Her love of music, handcrafts and reading was shared to all of her family and friends. Her love of genealogy was known to most people who knew her, and she helped many friends trace family trees. She was a prospective member of the Fort San Carlos chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her husband Steve, daughter Rebecca (Becky) and son Stephen (Stevie), and the family pets, all of the home, and her eight foreign exchange children, Alex, Martin, Daniel, Bernardo, Ruben, Arslan, Tim and Geun. Her loss is also felt by numerous cousins, in-laws and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Overland Baptist Church, 9303 Midland Blvd, Overland, MO, on Saturday, April 30^th at 11 AM with a lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mary Leader Galambos Scholarship for Aspiring Nurses at William Jewell College, Stray Rescue of St. Louis, or Foundations for the Future fund at Overland Baptist Church.