Frances Leek

Frances Carlin Leek, 85, of Duluth died peacefully in bed with her husband by her side, Saturday, July 20, 2013.

She was born to George and Ruth (Cunningham) Carlin on July 7, 1928 in Jackson, Mississippi, and was raised in Chicago. As a youth, Frances modeled for Marshall Field and Carson Pirie Scott in Chicago, she also played bridge competitively. Frances married Dr. Joseph Leek on Oct 1, 1949 in Chicago and they moved to Duluth in 1952 and started their family. A graduate of the University of Chicago, she majored in French. Her real love was that of music. She started piano at the age of 4, reached a high level of excellence and moved on to flute. Frances was one of the first students at the famed Interlochen Music Camp. Upon moving to Duluth, she joined the Duluth Symphony and taught many successful flute students. As well as playing the flute in the orchestra, she served as a member of the board and was a passionate fund raiser for them. After returning to school at UMD, she received her Masters in Music Performance and took positions teaching flute at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She also served on the board of Duluth Matinee Musicale.Frances was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church, The Junior League, Daughters of American Revolution and University of Seniors at UMD.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph; her children, Joseph (Teri) Leek, Jr. of Stevens Point, WI; Anne Leek of Houston, TX; Katherine Leek-Tedeschi (Angelio Tedeschi) of Phoenix, AZ; Jane (John) Erjavek of LaCrosse, WI; Susan Leek of St. Paul, MN; John (Kathleen) Leek of Stevens Point, WI and Carolyn (Scott) Hanson of Huntington Beach, CA; her 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 E. 4th Street, Duluth, MN, with reception to follow.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, 331 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802, as well as Pilgrim Congregation Church, in Frances's name.

A private interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home