Kay F. Leiderbach

Kay Frances Leiderbach

HAMMONDSPORT – Kay Frances Leiderbach passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025. She was born in Hammondsport, NY, on January 13, 1936, to Leo and Mary (Ellenberger) Leiderbach. After graduating from Hammondsport High School in 1954, she earned her degree from Rochester Business Institute. Her career in Human Resources spanned over 42 years, from 1955 to 1998, entirely with Bausch & Lomb, a testament to her loyalty. One of the highlights of her career was carrying the Olympic torch on behalf of Bausch & Lomb in 1996.

Music was a defining characteristic of Kay’s life. Her talent as a pianist was a gift to us all. She served as her church organist, as well as a choir member. It wasn’t Christmas until Aunt Kay played carols on the Lake Street piano. And we weren’t doing dishes at the lake until Aunt Kay was humming a show tune. To everyone’s amazement, she played by ear. More recently, she entertained her fellow assisted living residents after dinner. She even signed greeting cards with musical notes beside her name!

Kay’s loving presence was steadfast. She was always there with a story, a hug, or a helping hand. Kay loved Hammondsport and Keuka Lake, both the places and the people. She was a member of Delphian Study Club and Hammondsport Women’s Club, an enthusiastic community volunteer, and served as a Notary Public. Her Christmas cookies and Chex mix were treasured treats. The sound of her voice—humming, singing, or telling a tale—is already greatly missed.

Kay personified loyalty, generosity, commitment, love, strength, enthusiasm, independence and good cheer. She cherished the family of friends she created for herself. Time spent at Keuka Lake with loved ones was precious to her. We can all envision her perched on the porch, enjoying a Keuka sunset.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved sisters Millie and Leona. She is survived by a multitude of family and friends, who are now saying, “Kay was one of a kind!”

Calling hours will be held at 2 PM, with a memorial service at 3PM, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main Street, Hammondsport. Interment will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum or the Fred & Harriett Taylor Memorial Library, both in Hammondsport.

Get ready, Heaven, here come the show tunes!

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main Street, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Kay’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Kay are welcome below under ‘Share a Memory’, or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.