Marion Leizer

Marion J Preisser Leizer, age 88 of Guilderland, NY passed away peacefully Monday, November 24, 2025. She was born in Albany, NY and is the daughter of the late Susan Barré & step father Gerard Barré. Marion was predeceased by her high school sweetheart & loving husband of almost 61 years, Ralph Leizer, her brother Alan Barré, and her sister-in-law and friend Dorothy Dawson.

Marion attended Albany School 27 (K-6th), Albany’s Milne High School (7-12th), earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from SUNY-Albany, then after having 3 children she continued on to earn her master’s degree in education.

Marion was proud of her jobs: Montgomery Ward stenographer & secretary, Mohawk Airlines Albany airport and Eastern Airlines NYC & Albany airports. She worked at Staff Builders Temp Agency, Albany Travel Agency, Five Rivers environmental Ed Ctr. and as a substitute teacher at Guilderland High School 21 years 1968-1989. She also worked many Saturdays for 60 yrs administering NYS Civil Service exams.

Marion enjoyed yearly summer vacations camping with her family. She loved spending time in the Adirondack Mountains, especially Lake Eaton, Schroon River, Trout Lake, and Loon Lake family camps. Camping at Lake Lila was special to Marion where she could watch her favorite Common Loon birds swimming in the lake.

After retirement Marion & Ralph traveled all over the world to all 7 continents. Traveling by motorhome 4 times across the USA they visited the contiguous 48 states. Then enjoying cruises, they added Hawaii and Alaska. Their multiple cruises took them 3½ times around the world. Marion enjoyed seeing and learning about many cultures throughout the world and the beauty of the Earth.

Marion's passions in life were community service, nature, camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, cross-country skiing, choral singing, traveling, and researching family history. Marion was happy when she was singing. She sang in her church choir for 70 years, was a member of the Festival of Praise Choir, and The Suburban Sounds Community Chorus for decades. She enjoyed singing along to famous musicals, her favorite lyrics to sing were, “Oklahoma”.

Marion was very active as a life-long member of McKownville United Methodist Church. Not only was she a member of the choir, she also volunteered and held almost every role in every committee at some point during her life.

Marion leaves behind her son Darrin (Angela) Leizer, her daughters Wendy (James Jr.) Liotta, and Darcianne Leizer, 7 grandchildren: Kathryn, Kristine, Sierra, Brian, Dylan, Anthony and Alissa, brothers Ric (Carol) Barré and Kevin Barre, sister-in-law Charlote (Wayne) Moul, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10-11:00am, with Memorial Service to follow at McKownville United Methodist Church, 1565 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203.

A private burial will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McKownville United Methodist Church, 1565 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203