Leah S Schenkel

Albany - (Sona) Leah Schenkel, “Gaba” born on July 17, 1922, passed away peacefully at home on November 13, 2022. Born in Albany, Leah was the daughter of Ethel Greene and Abraham Strong. Leah graduated from Schuyler High School and worked for the Department of Education. Leah was very proud of her work . She would often tell us how she helped proof the test questions for various regents exams. Leah then worked for over 20 years at the New York State Office of Social Services, retiring in 1982.

Everyone who met Leah loved her. She was kind and accepting, and a great wife, mom, mom-in-law, aunt, grandmother, gaba and neighbor.

Leah was predeceased by her husband Harold of 60 years, her brother Eli and her daughter Sheila Mears. She was the last of her group of school friends that were affectionately called the “Golden Girls.”

Leah is survived by her son, Michael (Debbie) Schenkel, her grandchildren Jeff Mears (Joyalle), PJ Mears (Andi), Rachael and Bobby Schenkel (Amanda), great-grandchildren Aaron and Grace Mears, cousin Dotty Deutsch, Dinny (Bill) Friedman and Mimmi Siegel, nieces Bernice Burrick and Eunice Golderman, Sally Rapp, Joan Schenkel and many great nieces and nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the most amazing aides Flower, Patti, Nadiea, Alex, Margarita, Liz and Billie Jo. Their compassion and love for Leah helped make the last year so much easier for everyone. Flower, you were the only one who could put Leah to sleep comfortably. When you took a day off, mom was not happy. We would also like to mention Jimmy Palmer, who would come to her house at a moment’s notice to fix anything for “Mrs. Schenkel.”

Funeral services for Leah will be held on Wednesday, November 16th at 1:00 pm at Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave. in Albany. Burial will follow at Independent Benevolent Cemetery, 260 Fuller Rd. in Albany.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans, Hospice or a charity of your choice.

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