Leah Porter Tanger, was a beloved wife, mother, GiGi, friend, aunt, and sister, transitioned peacefully in her home on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 at the age of 69. She's left an indelible mark on her community and was considered by many as “everyone's mom”. Leah was raised in East Hampton, CT, and later moved to Lebanon, CT with her husband Richard (Dick) Tanger of Norwalk, CT. Leah's considerate presence and genuine care for all who crossed her path will be missed almost as much as her infectious laughter.

Leah firmly believed that if each person embraced the challenge of spreading small acts of kindness, the world would undoubtedly be a better place. She saw these gestures not only as individual acts of goodwill but as catalysts for a ripple effect of positivity and compassion that could permeate society. Leah envisioned a world where kindness was the norm, where people looked out for one another and where a small act of generosity could change a community.

Leah’s devotion to her community was illuminated through her work as a founding member of the Lebanon Life newspaper and a stalwart member of the Democratic Town Committee, testaments to her passion for storytelling and service.

Her nurturing presence extended beyond politics and print, as she poured her heart not only into her children but also into the Lyman Memorial Booster Club and Lebanon Junior Soccer Club. When she wasn't supporting her family and community, she was a ferocious reader. Leah could often be found immersed in the pages of a book, devouring stories of all kinds. Her passion for reading was a source of personal joy and a tribute to her deep belief in the ability of a book to transport you through space and time.

As a deeply passionate supporter of the public library, Leah championed the Jonathan Trumbull Library serving on the board for over 10 years. She was committed to ensuring that every member of her community had access to a book or as she thought of them a “ticket to adventure”.

She spent her career in service to others beginning her professional career at Millstone and Connecticut Light & Power, to later working at Lyman Memorial High School and then finally retiring from Eastern Connecticut State University after a decade supporting Veterans Affairs.

In addition to her career and community service, Leah was an avid creator; whether she was painting watercolors, crafting pottery, or snapping photos, her ability was an artistic gift to those around her. She created magic in little moments for her grandchildren like a fairy garden or a silly tale of trolls. Her ability to capture life's precious moments through her photography ensured that her loved ones would have endless memories to cherish.

Leah also had a knack for finding the perfect gift and this talent was legendary among her family and friends. As a skilled Amazon shopper, she had an uncanny ability to select gifts that were thoughtful and meaningful, showcasing her love language of giving.

Her generosity extended to her talent for hosting at her beloved Lake Williams or Barefoot Bay, where no detail was missed. Guests always appreciated the thoughtful touches and natural comfort of an event or visit. Woven throughout these events was always Leah and Dick's relationship, marked by playful banter and a unique ability to lovingly tease each other. Their banter brought laughter and lightness to every interaction, they remained each other's greatest source of joy and comfort throughout their 45 years of marriage.

Her legacy of giving and compassion will endure through her cherished family: her devoted husband, Richard C. Tanger of Lebanon, CT; her son Dylan Tanger (Jessica Hansen) of Brookfield, CT, and daughter Brooke (Michael) Sullivan of Campton, NH; her brother Neil (Kris) Porter and sisters Claudia Barton Dean and Nancy Flannery. She leaves behind grandchildren Liam, Ryan, Nolan, Luke, and Maryn, and brother-in-laws Jim (Trish) Tanger, Doug Tanger, Chelt (Peggy) Tanger, and Sister-in-law Kathy Eads. She was beloved by many beautiful nieces and nephews and countless friends. Everyone in her wide circle was touched by her boundless love and affection.

In celebration of Leah's life, her family will receive friends for a visitation at Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester, CT on Friday, May 17th, 2024 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm and a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at Roberto’s Log Cabin Restaurant in Lebanon, CT from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, allowing her family and friends to honor her memory in the manner she would have cherished through shared stories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jonathan Trumbull Library, a fitting tribute to Leah's enduring love for literature. She also supported the Emerald School of Excellence, a place close to her heart.

Leah Porter Tanger will forever be remembered as the embodiment of compassion, love, and kindness, her heartful laugh serving as a song to our souls. Her legacy of kindness and empathy will continue to inspire her beautiful grandchildren, a testament to the transformative power of love and how little moments and small kindnesses can change someone's day. When you can choose to be anyone, choose to be kind.

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