Shirley Arlene Leitzinger, 77

DOVER - Shirley Arlene Leitzinger of Dover died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, at her home. She was 77.

Mrs. Leitzinger was born in Williamsport, Pa., on Oct. 7, 1930, to the late Archie and Mildred Paulhamus.

She was a graduate of Williamsport High School and received her nursing degree from Temple University in 1952. It was at Temple that she met and married her soulmate, Dr. William A.E. Leitzinger.

Mrs. Leitzinger then worked at St. Christopher's Children's Hospital, Philadelphia, until she began her family.

She moved with her family to Dover in 1963.

Mrs. Leitzinger worked for many years at Kent General Hospital, Dover, both on medical-surgical floors and the ICU, where her caring and compassion made her a favorite of both patients and staff.

Over the years, she volunteered for numerous organizations, including the Good Samaritans, March of Dimes, American Heart Association and Easter Seals. One of her favorite volunteering duties was working with pet therapy, where she visited local nursing homes with kittens and puppies to bring joy and comfort to the patients.

Mrs. Leitzinger was an avid gardener who enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening. Her green thumb was legendary and there wasn't anything she couldn't grow.

She loved all animals and raised many strays over the years, who always seemed to find themselves at her door.

Mrs. Leitzinger enjoyed fishing, cooking and spending time outdoors, especially bird watching at Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge and vacationing in Ontario, Canada, where she always caught the biggest fish in the lake. She was a naturalist and supported wildlife conservation and many other environmental causes.

She was a talented artist, working in watercolors, oils and acrylics.

Mrs. Leitzinger's greatest joy was raising her six children. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, whose dedication to her family was immense.

She could always be counted on to lend a listening ear, guidance and wisdom whenever needed. She opened her heart to all her children's friends who made her house their second home. Her positive attitude, gentle soul and loving heart brought joy and peace to all who knew her.

Mrs. Leitzinger was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Dr. William A. E. Leitzinger, in 2006.

She is survived by two sons and their wives, William David and Toshiko Leitzinger of Middletown and Andrew and Laurie Leitzinger of Glenmoore, Pa.; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Virginia and Patrick Neely of Christiana, Pa., Deborah Nissley of Dover, Barbara and Dale Ward of Salem, Va., and Karen and Mike Seeney of Dover; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Woolridge of Clearfield, Pa., and Clara Schoderbek of Helena, Mont.; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, where friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the The National Audubon Society, Department W., 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003; or www.audubon.org.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.