Leigh O'Leary Hyde

Leigh O’Leary Hyde passed away peacefully on her 83rd birthday December 12, 2024, in Cottage Grove, WI. She was born on December 12, 1941, in Green Bay, WI to John (Jack) and Ruth Hyde. Her given name was Sharon but she preferred Leigh

Leigh received a degree in history from St. Norbert’s college in DePere, WI and a master’s degree in Rehabilitative Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to taking time out of the workforce to raise her four children; Leigh worked for the State of Wisconsin for many years and at Employment Options for Women as well as the Community Action Coalition. Civil rights and social justice were passions for Leigh. She actively participated in these causes and gave to many charities devoted to these issues throughout her life. Leigh was an avid reader and community volunteer. She loved working at her church’s food pantry and belonged to two book clubs. Leigh also enjoyed singing for many years with the Monona Senior Chorus. She was a gifted writer who, inspired by a memoir writing class, wrote humorous and moving accounts of many parts of her life. These memoirs are cherished by her family. Leigh’s greatest joy was being with her family. She was a mother who embodied unconditional love, and all four of her children and five grandchildren were the lucky beneficiaries of her devotion and generosity of heart. She will be deeply missed, always.

Leigh is preceded in death by her father, Jack Hyde, mother, Ruth Hyde, and sister, Judy Schrader. She is survived by her daughter Kris Schaefer-Weiss (Jay), son Joel Schaefer (Lynne), daughter Fritha Irwin (Jason) and daughter Autumn Irwin. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Lily Weiss, Sam, Jake and Nathaniel Schaefer, and Linnea Irwin. Leigh is also survived by her brother Mike Hyde (Jeanne), five nieces, two great nephews and a great niece.

A small celebration of life for close family and friends is being planned for the near future. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the nursing staff at Drumlin Reserve Memory Care for their loving attention and care, and to the compassionate staff at Agrace Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Madison Public Library, an institution that was beloved by Leigh.