Nancy Friant

Nancy Leachman Friant of Bel Voi Farm, Berryville, Va., died Sunday, April 7, 2002, at her home.

She was born Oct. 24, 1924, in Manassas, Va., daughter of William Henry and Beatrice Luke Leachman.

In 1934 her family moved to Washington, D.C., where she attended Western High School and George Washington University. She attended The Juilliard School of Music in New York, earning both undergraduate as well as graduate degrees.

An accomplished musician and composer, she launched a career as a concert pianist following her graduation from Juilliard. She composed scores for numerous local and regional musical productions, including the Blue Ridge Players and the Barter Theater.

She married John R. Friant of Cape Girardeau in 1948.

Surviving with her husband is a son, John R. Friant Jr. of Berryville; five daughters, Katherine Funkhouser of Charles Town, W.Va., Mary Veilleux of Crestview, Fla., Margaret Pittman of Virginia Beach, Va., Nina Geiger of Waynesboro, Pa., Caroline Watkins of Charlottesville, Va.; a sister, Molly Green of Winnetka, Ill.; two brothers, Jack Leachman of Middleburg, Va., Keith Leachman of Richmond, Va.; and 22 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Beatrice Leachman; a brother, William Leachman Jr.; and a daughter, Molly P. Friant.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2002, at St. Bridget's Chapel in the Field in Berryville, with the Rev. Stanley J. Krempa officiating.

Immediately following the funeral, family members will attend a brief burial service at Old Chapel. It is the strong desire of the family to have everyone come to Bel Voi Farm after the funeral service for a celebration of Nancy's life. The family will join friends shortly thereafter.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Powhatan School, 49 Powhatan Lane, Boyce, Va., 22620, or to St. Bridget's Chapel in the Field, 130 Keating Drive, Winchester, Va., 22601.

Arrangements are being handled by Enders & Shirley Funeral Home in Berryville.