Leigha Suzanne Schultz, age 36, of Newark, DE passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, September 28, 2018. Born March 31, 1982 in Wilmington, DE, Leigha was the daughter of Gene R. Schultz and Linda (O’Neal) Pierson.

Leigha was a 2001 graduate of William Penn Highschool in New Castle, DE where Art was her favorite subject and Mr. Hudson was her favorite teacher. She worked for Harrington Casino as a slot attendant and most recently for Newark Natural Foods Co-op where she was an assistant manager and on the Board of Directors. Leigha was currently attending Del Tech where she was studying to be a Drug and Alcohol Counselor so that she could continue to expand her legacy of helping those who needed it the most.

No words can fully describe the vibrant person who Leigha was. She had a vast heart and strived to make this world a better place for everyone. She cherished her time spent with her family and friends whom she gave to unselfishly and would do anything for. She could light up a room with her smile and her genuine personality. She never met a stranger and lived to help all those in need.

Leigha was outgoing and adventurous. She loved visiting the city and held a special place in her heart for Coney Island where she would make it a point to visit during the annual Mermaid Festival. She was a creative and talented artist, using her skills to bring beauty into the world. She was an exceptional cook and baker, constantly creating new recipes for her family and friends to try. She also enjoyed visiting the ocean, fishing, crabbing and gardening. Some of her favorites included the color magenta, mermaids, new ink, “#9314eva”, “fried icecream” and the time she spent with her son, Degan, whom she loved with all her soul.

Leigha is survived by her son and the light of her life, Degan R. Maguire; mother, Linda L. Pierson and her husband, Brian; father, Gene R. Schultz; her special cousin, Christine Lambert; life partner, Brian Durkee; best friends, Lauren “Boo” Carpenter and Shonta “Tay” Holland; life-long friend and father to her son, Dane Maguire; uncle Jeff Schultz and his wife, Natalie and endless extended family members and beloved friends. Leigha was preceded in death by her uncle, Greg Lambert; aunt, Sharon Lambert and cousin, Gregory Lambert and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

A celebration of Leigha’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made directly to the Leigha Schultz Memorial Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/leigha-schultz-mermaid-fund to help the family offset the burden of funeral expenses.