In Memory Of
Norma Jean Leff
Norma Jean Leff
Norma Jean Von der Au Leff died Saturday, August 12, 2006 at her home losing her eleven year battle with cancer. Norma Jean was born on April 27th, 1932 in Wichita Falls, Texas, the only child of Harry and Beatrice Rothberg Von der Au. The family moved back to St. Louis, MO two years later, where the Von der Au's had lived since before the Civil War.
Norma Jean received a BS degree from Washington University (Central Institute for the Deaf). She taught speech and language therapy for several years. She later earned a MS degree in Special Early Childhood Education from Emporia State University.
She moved to Houston, Texas to teach and there met her husband, Bernie Leo Leff. They moved to Topeka in 1964. Norma Jean became very active in Temple Beth Sholom. She was president of the Sisterhood twice. She served on the Temple board of directors and was elected the first woman president of that board. She taught in the religious school many years. She also chaired the Blintz Brunch and remained active with the bake sale.
Norma Jean was a long time volunteer for the American Cancer Society, doing office work and giving direct service to clients. In 2006, she received the United Way's "Making a Difference" award for her volunteer activities. This year Norma Jean's story was chosen by the American Cancer Society to represent the state of Kansas on The Wall of Hope in Washington, DC.
Norma Jean was preceded in death by-her parents, her step son, Neil Andrew Leff, and her husband who died in 1988. She is survived by her children Julia Leff and her husband Benjamin Chapman, Atlanta, GA, Gordon Fell Leff and his wife Andrea Sher-Leff, Austin, Texas and Joseph Leff and his wife Cait, Omaha, NE. She leaves four granddaughters and one grandson.
Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 14, 2006 at Temple Beth Sholom, Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norma's name may be given to Temple Beth Sholom, 4200 SW Munson, Topeka, KS 66604 or The American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.
Norma Jean received a BS degree from Washington University (Central Institute for the Deaf). She taught speech and language therapy for several years. She later earned a MS degree in Special Early Childhood Education from Emporia State University.
She moved to Houston, Texas to teach and there met her husband, Bernie Leo Leff. They moved to Topeka in 1964. Norma Jean became very active in Temple Beth Sholom. She was president of the Sisterhood twice. She served on the Temple board of directors and was elected the first woman president of that board. She taught in the religious school many years. She also chaired the Blintz Brunch and remained active with the bake sale.
Norma Jean was a long time volunteer for the American Cancer Society, doing office work and giving direct service to clients. In 2006, she received the United Way's "Making a Difference" award for her volunteer activities. This year Norma Jean's story was chosen by the American Cancer Society to represent the state of Kansas on The Wall of Hope in Washington, DC.
Norma Jean was preceded in death by-her parents, her step son, Neil Andrew Leff, and her husband who died in 1988. She is survived by her children Julia Leff and her husband Benjamin Chapman, Atlanta, GA, Gordon Fell Leff and his wife Andrea Sher-Leff, Austin, Texas and Joseph Leff and his wife Cait, Omaha, NE. She leaves four granddaughters and one grandson.
Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 14, 2006 at Temple Beth Sholom, Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norma's name may be given to Temple Beth Sholom, 4200 SW Munson, Topeka, KS 66604 or The American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma Jean Leff, please visit our flower store.
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