Leah Valarie VanLandingham Gardy, 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 12, 2017. She was born in Rainswood in the Northern Neck of Virginia and spent most of her life there in Callao until moving to Richmond in 2011 to live with her daughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Tyson and Etta Winstead Hudson VanLandingham; husband, Edward Arnold Gardy; brothers, Albert, Alton, and Leo VanLandingham; brother, Norman Hudson; and sisters, Carrie Jones, Lillian Robinson, and Myrtle Straughan.
Leah is survived by her loving daughters, Janet Gardy Beauchamp of Richmond, VA and Joyce Bell Gardy of Waldorf, MD; granddaughter, Amy Beauchamp Scherer and husband, Ed and great-grandsons, Ted and Tyson Scherer all of Richmond. Also surviving are her many nieces and nephews.
Leah loved children, and after raising her family she founded Jack & Jill Nursery School in Callao. Teaching 3 and 4 years olds gave her great joy for many years.
As a dedicated member of Henderson United Methodist Church, Leah sang in the choir for more than 55 years. At church suppers she could always be counted on to bring her “famous” Coconut Custard Pie.
Later in life Leah and her three best friends were dubbed “Callao Cuties” because they had so much fun together.
She was a loving mother and grandmother and will always be remembered for her devotion to family. We will miss her.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at 2:00 pm at Henderson United Methodist Church, 72 Henderson Drive, Callao, VA, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Henderson United Methodist Church, PO Box 22, Callao, VA 22435.
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