Leathem, gone but not forgotten
“Leathem was an instrumental member of our organisation and played an important religious role during the early days of the society.”
Numerous messages of condolences and support were posted by the community on social media after the death of Father Joseph Leathem.
Leathem died unexpectedly on March 14 at the age of 84-years-old.
Appointed as Parish Priest at St Thérèse Catholic Church in 1988, Leathem was deeply connected to Edenvale.
According to Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) Southern Africa, whom Leathem was associated to, he was born in Ireland and came to SA in 1960. In his youth, Leathem was a talented young athlete and was a candidate for the Irish Olympic Team in the 1950s, however, he decided to join the Oblates.
Before Edenvale Leathem served the communities of Orlando West, Benoni, Yeoville and La Rochelle.
Described as a gentle and humble man OMISA said Leathem served the parishes with great dedication.
Besides his involvement and connection to Edenvale Leathem worked closely with the Little Eden Society.
Nichollette Muthige, public relations and communications officer of the society, said the society was saddened by Leathem’s death.
“Leathem was an instrumental member of our organisation and played an important religious role during the early days of the society.”
His first interaction with the society was in 1977, while he was parish priest in Yeoville.
“He provided religious support to the Founders of the Society, Danny and Domitilla Hyams.
“As parish priest, Leathem proved a patient listener to Domitilla’s stories of joy or of sadness.
“He always encouraged her to continue praying for guidance in the way forward.”
Until Leathem took ill, he celebrated Mass for our residents at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home at First Friday Mass each month.
His involvement will be missed by residents and staff of the society.
Leathem’s funeral service was held at St Thérèse Catholic Church on March 20.
