GUILDERLAND — Marion J. Preisser Leizer was a world traveler who loved to sing and was proud of her many jobs.

She died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. She was 88.

She was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Susan Barré and stepfather Gerard Barré.

“Her high school sweetheart and loving husband of almost 61 years, Ralph Leizer, died before her,” her family wrote in a tribute, “as did her brother, Alan Barré, and her sister-in-law and friend, Dorothy Dawson.

“Marion attended Albany School 27 from kindergarten through sixth grade, Albany’s Milne High School from seventh to 12th grade, and then earned her bachelor's degree in biology from the State University of New York at Albany. Then, after having three children, she continued on to earn her master’s degree in education.

“Marion was proud of her jobs: Montgomery Ward stenographer and secretary, Mohawk Airlines Albany airport and Eastern Airlines New York City and Albany airports. She worked at Staff Builders Temp Agency, Albany Travel Agency, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and as a substitute teacher at Guilderland High School for 21 years, from 1968 to 1989. She also worked many Saturdays for 60 years, administering New York State Civil Service exams.

“Marion enjoyed yearly summer vacations camping with her family. She loved spending time in the Adirondack Mountains, especially Lake Eaton, Schroon River, Trout Lake, and Loon Lake family camps. Camping at Lake Lila was special to Marion where she could watch her favorite Common Loon birds swimming in the lake.

“After retirement, Marion and Ralph traveled all over the world to all seven continents. Traveling by motorhome four times across the USA, they visited the contiguous 48 states. Then enjoying cruises, they added Hawaii and Alaska. Their multiple cruises took them three-and-a-half times around the world. Marion enjoyed seeing and learning about many cultures throughout the world and the beauty of the Earth.

“Marion’s passions in life were community service, nature, camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, cross-country skiing, choral singing, traveling, and researching family history. Marion was happy when she was singing. She sang in her church choir for 70 years, was a member of the Festival of Praise Choir, and The Suburban Sounds Community Chorus for decades. She enjoyed singing along to famous musicals’ her favorite lyrics to sing were, ‘Oklahoma.’

“Marion was very active as a life-long member of McKownville United Methodist Church. Not only was she a member of the choir, she also volunteered and held almost every role in every committee at some point during her life.”

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 Marion J. Preisser Leizer leaves behind her son, Darrin (Angela) Leizer; her daughters ,Wendy (James Jr.) Liotta, and Darcianne Leizer; seven grandchildren, Kathryn, Kristine, Sierra, Brian, Dylan, Anthony, and Alissa; brothers Ric (Carol) Barré and Kevin Barre; sister-in-law Charlotte (Wayne) Moul, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at the McKownville United Methodist Church at 1565 Western Ave. in Guilderland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the McKownville United Methodist Church, 1565 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203.