Obituary: Dianne (Leavy) Voelkl, age 77

Obituary: Dianne (Leavy) Voelkl, age 77

Dianne (Leavy) Voelkl, age 77. Photo taken in Wyalusing, Pa during a day trip. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Dianne L. Voelkl, age 77, passed away peacefully at home in Owego, N.Y. with her beloved dog Lucy by her side on Feb. 17, 2015 following an extended illness.

Dianne was born in Rochester, N.Y., the daughter of James and Mildred (Meyers) Leavy.

Her parents, sons David, 47 and Michael, 36, of Rochester, N.Y., her brother Tom Leavy,  of Arizona, 64, and her soul mate, Raymond Gully, 89, predeceased Dianne in death. Raymond was a WWII Veteran and a world-renowned civil engineer, with his last job as manager of the Fort McHenry Tunnel.

Dianne resided with Raymond in Sackets Harbor, N.Y. and Daytona Beach, Fla. for two decades.

Dianne is survived by her former husband of 39 years, Earl A. Voelkl of Rochester, N.Y.; by her daughter and caretaker, Wendy Post, Owego  and Troy Pennysaver editor and writer of Owego, N.Y.; her daughter and son-in-law Nancy (Voelkl) and Scott Solano; 10 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Dianne is also survived by her brother James Leavy, retired editor of the Los Angeles Times living in Santa Monica, Calif. with his soul mate, Barbara Baird.

Dianne was true to her Catholic Faith, and was even more true to her Irish Heritage and had a passion for animals, to include several rescue dogs that she brought into her home. She was a piano player, enjoyed golf, cards and bowling.

A celebration of Dianne’s life will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Estey Monroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, N.Y., with the Rev. Phil Jordan, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to an animal shelter of your choice; or Lourdes Hospice Care, 169 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905.