Melissa Jane Leake

Born on January 9, 1957, at Lebanon Hospital, she had a beautiful childhood spent in Springfield, Kentucky. Jane was the daughter of the late Joseph Enis Polin and Nellie Catherine Donahue Polin. Jane was a proud graduate of Washington County High School and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Louisville, where she consistently earned Dean’s List honors. She dedicated her professional life to the students of Bardstown Independent Schools, where she retired as a beloved Special Education Teacher, leaving a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.

Jane had a wide array of passions that enriched her life. She possessed a wonderful eye for interior design, often referring to her treasured decorations as her next 'tchotchke,' and took great pride in making her home a beautiful and welcoming space. An avid reader, she particularly enjoyed losing herself in the pages of mystery novels. She was an excellent cook, known for her ability to create her own delicious dishes or replicate complex recipes with ease. For Jane, cooking was a labor of love and just one of the many ways she showed her deep affection for her family and friends. Every spring, she channeled her creativity into her vibrant flower garden, an activity that brought her immense peace and joy.

Known for her bright smile, strong will, and deeply loving heart, Jane carried an abundance of care and compassion for everyone she knew. She loved all of her friends and family unconditionally and held them dear to her heart up until her final day. 

Jane is survived by her devoted daughter, Catherine Gabrielle Leake, and her cherished granddaughter, Braelyn Gabrielle Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her stepson, James Chadwick Leake; her brothers, William E. Polin and Donnie Polin; and her sister, Susan Polin Taylor.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Theodosia Polin (widow of William E. Polin); her brother-in-law, Steve Taylor (widower of Susan Polin Taylor); her sister-in-law, Margaret Polin (widow of Donnie Polin); her first cousin and lifelong best friend, Mollie Polin Bystrek; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen and Funeral Rites for Melissa Jane Leake will be conducted at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with inurnment in the family plot at St. Dominic-Holy Rosary Cemetery following the service.  A visitation will be held from 9:30 am till time of service at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 28 at St. Dominic Catholic Church.

Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.