Ellen Theresa Leik

Ellen T.  Leik, age 75, of Holland, Michigan passed away on February 8, 2025 at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.  She was born on August 14, 1949 and grew up in Portland, Michigan.   She attended and graduated from Portland St. Patrick’s School in 1967.  She received a Bachelor of Education degree from Central Michigan University in 1972.  While teaching at Dannsville Middle School, she attended night classes at Western Michigan University and obtained her Master’s of Library Science.  With her Master's in hand, Ellen was a librarian at the Lowell Public Library, East Grand Rapids Library, and Grand Rapids Public Library.  Ellen spent the majority of her career in the Zeeland Public School District as head librarian for their middle schools, until retiring in 2005.  During retirement, she put her organizational talents to use as a volunteer for the League of Women Voters.  She was elected president of the Holland Chapter for 3 terms.  In addition, she volunteered at the Friends of the Public Library “Used Book Store“ for the Herrick Library in Holland, Michigan.  Ellen also supported many other causes she believed in: such as programs teaching English as a Second Language for immigrants, Safe Homes for victims of domestic violence, and the Western Michigan Humane Society.  She was an avid animal lover and spoiled her dogs and bird.  Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Henry M. and Mary Rose Leik; her beloved sister, Mary Anne (Leik) Ferrari; and her nephew, Allen Ferrari.  She is survived by both her brothers, Philip Leik, and  Thomas Leik and his wife Mary; nephews, Andrew Leik, Anthony Leik and his wife Leigh Ann, Martin Leik and his wife Elizabeth; and niece, Annie Douglass and her husband Scott.  She adored her great nephews and nieces.  They were a great source of joy for her and she loved spending time with them.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mike Alber at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland.  Instead of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in her name.