Pauline Leigh

Pauline (Kittel) Leigh passed away at age 103 years and 5 months on April 16, 2025. Born October 21, 1921 in Ghent, New York to the union of the late Luther H Kittel and Maybelle (Thompson) Kittel. She was a strong and beautiful lady who demonstrated her faith through her actions in everyday living.

Living in Albany, New York, Pauline attended Albany Public Schools and was a graduate of Philip Schuyler Senior High School with Regents Credits. She also graduated from the Beulah M. Ford Beauty Culture School. She moved to Syracuse, New York in 1965 where she continued earning business/college credits attending classes at Onondaga Community College.

During World War II she worked at the Watervliet Arsenal from 1942 to 1945. She was employed by New York State for 29+ years in the Dept. of Taxation & Finance in Albany, New York and retired from the NYS Dept. of Hwy Engineers, Administration Unit, Transportation, Region III in Syracuse, New York in 1983.

Pauline united with Bethany Baptist Church body of Syracuse in November of 1965. She served in several capacities and organizations of the Church and also participated in several other religious organizations. She was a lifetime member of the NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), a lifetime member of the Retired Public Employees Association and a Red Cross Special Blood Donor.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Eugene Leigh, siblings Eunice May Smith, Chester Arthur Kittel, Ralph Henry Kittel, Luther (Johnny) Kittel, grandson, Brian Eugene Leigh, niece Dolores Armstead and nephews Joseph, Emmett, Ralph and David Smith.

She is survived by her son Ronald (Ronnie) Eugene Leigh daughter-in-law, Barbara and great grandson Asaad Leigh. She also leaves cherished nephews Gerald (Nevern) Smith, Daniel (Edith) Seymore, Alfred (Lucille) Smith, Marvin (Pam) Chapman, George, Kerry, Dennis Warner, niece Lena Warner-Mayhand and a host of great, great-great and great-great-great nephews and nieces.

Services will be private. The family wishes to thank the Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and the wonderful staff on 3 South for the kind, compassionate and quality care she received.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St., Syracuse, NY 13224.Click here to donate. or the charity of your choice.