Barbara J. Leitz, 86, of Seminole, Florida passed away on September 14, 2018 at the Palm Gardens Nursing Home in Largo, Florida.  She was born on January 20, 1932 in Lincoln Park, Illinois to Leroy and Lucille (Mikell) Hellickson.

 Preceded in death by her parents and her last husband, Vincent Leitz, she is survived by her children Raymond (Judy) Leitz, Linda (Michael)Johnson, Lawrence Williams, her grandchildren including Jenna Johnson, Jeremie (Theresa) Johnson, Michael Leitz, Zachary Leitz, Christopher Leitz, and her great grandchildren, including Rylee and Hayden Johnson, and Maddox and Avery Johnson – and her “adopted” children Steve and Sheri Iovino.

 We all leave behind a unique legacy when we depart from this world – Barbara’s was her family.  She had a big heart, wanted to be loved, and wanted to love others in return.  She loved to tell stories about her past, and loved to bring laughter to others from her tales.

 Throughout her life well lived, Barbara was a proud homemaker / Mother, Great Grandmother, and a loving Christian.  She loved to entertain through music, singing, and dancing, and we believe it was her way of sharing her spirituality – a form of ministry for her – through which she shared her love for God with others.  Barbara loved television and movies, and while limited physically during her years, she lived beyond those limitations through television to discover the world she was never able to visit in person!

 In her mind, Barbara’s life wasn’t one to be acknowledged for the great things she had done or accomplished, it was to be remembered for the legacy of love and compassion she expressed throughout her life. 

 A Celebration of her life, with Pastor Randy Morris officiating, will be held at 10:00am, Friday October 26, 2018 at the Bay Pines Cemetery, where her ashes will be interred along with her loving husband, Vincent Leitz.

 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/).