Leah A. Bartell

Leah A. (Pollard) Bartell, 80, of East Berne, New York, passed away on June 1, 2024. Leah graduated from Guilderland high school in 1962.

The majority of Leah's life was devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren. Children were her passion and motivation in life. She and her late husband, Leo, took in and cared for many of their own children's friends. They greeted everyone with open arms and embraced them like family. Leah shared her father's love of animals and in her youth owned a horse. Their home was filled with love, laughter, pets and children.

When her children were older, Leah owned a thrift store and later a cleaning business. She was a volunteer Guide Dog Puppy raiser for The Seeing Eye in New Jersey for many years. Leah was an avid reader and recently became addicted to reality TV. Her favorite program was Bravo's Below Deck and she crushed on Captain Jason.

As retirees, Leah and her husband Leo, devoted themselves to foster care and opened their home and hearts to 93 children. They were recognized by Albany County for their dedication and received the 2004 Foster Parents of the Year award. Leah was a member of Rock Road Chapel Ministries and was a very active food pantry volunteer.

Leah is survived by her children, stepson Leo Jr., and daughters Lee Ann (William) Cullen, Stacey (Timothy) Iveson; by her grandchildren, Michael Archambeault, Brett Cullen, and Alexis, Courtney and Brooke Iveson; by her great-grandson Michael Archambeault; by sister-in-laws Mary Pollard, Laura Bartell and Thelma (Carole) Gunter. Predeceased by her beloved husband Leo O. Bartell, Sr., and her brother Charles L. Pollard.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Leah's family on Friday June 7th from 4-6pm in the Fredendall Funeral Home 199 Main Street, Altamont. A prayer service will be held in the funeral home Saturday June 8th at 9:30am celebrated by Pastor Jay T. Francis. Interment will immediately follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie.