Leigh Allen

Leigh M. Allen, on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 after a 30 year struggle with multiple sclerosis and its complications. Leigh was born in New York City, the daughter of Gregory Steifman and Marie Zappia. She is survived by her beloved husband, David Allen; her son, Dean Marshall and his wife Nancy; her brother Bruce Steifman and his wife Jody; and her sister, Denise Fields and her husband Dennis as well as nieces and nephews.

Leigh graduated suma cum laude from Long Island University and was in the top 5% of her graduating class at Hofstra Law School. After being admitted to the NY BAR, she was employed by and became managing attorney of Waldman & Wechsler, a NYC law firm specializing in negligence/medical malpractice. Leigh moved to Sullivan Count in 1986 where she worked briefly for the firm of Cooke & Davis until she was appointed as an Assistant County Attorney, later becoming the full-time Deputy County Attorney. Her position was subject to political re-appointment every two years and Leigh had the distinction of being endorsed by both political parties during her tenure.

Leigh retired in 1995 due to her disabilities. Leigh was a Messianic Jew and practiced the observances of both the Jewish and Christian faiths. After retiring, she studied at Alliance Seminary, became an ordained minister with Harvesters Christian Fellowship and began a Bible-based counseling practice focusing on women and teens.

Leigh was an accomplished musician and lyricist. She enjoyed ice skating, horseback riding, rafting and camping. Her passion though was for her four-legged "babies." During her lifetime she owned and loved everything from a tiny little mouse to a 2200 pound Brown Swiss steer and all else in-between.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 12:30 PM in the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. Pastors Edward and Robin Sostak will officiate

Burial will be in the Laurel Hill Cemetery, White Sulphur Springs, NY.

Memorial contributions in Leigh's name may be made to the Compassion International, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80997 and earmark your gift to Acct:1078720-6. This will insure that the impoverished children that Leigh sponsored will continue to receive her support.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 www.Harris-FH.com