Bettye Leidigh, 89, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025.
Bettye was born in Gloversville, NY. The only child of William and Bernice Sigety, deceased.
She graduated from the University of New York at Albany. After teaching for two years at Colonie High School, she moved to Orlando. In 1959 she married Darrell Leidigh, deceased. In 1964 they established Mohawk Canoes in Longwood, FL.
Bettye and Darrell built Mohawk into a very successful business, manufacturing and selling canoes and paddles word wide. Mohawk was sold in 2006, although neither of them really retired. The buildings in Longwood became rental facilities now owned by their son Mark, and Scott, who now is deceased.
In 2006, Darrell and Bettye purchased 40 acres in Lake Mary. Which saved the property from development and established Crystal Lake Preserve, Inc. The property is to be held undeveloped in perpetuity for the benefit of wildlife, native plants, education and water conservation.
Bettye was interested in animals, birds, and the environment. She was Treasurer of Seminole Audubon Society for 10 years, and a supporter of many environmental groups. She was especially interested in Sandhill cranes that lived near her back yard, and visited them also on Crystal Lake, Lake Mary for many years by boat. She was also very interested in whooping cranes and supported the construction of a building at the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin.
Bettye is survived by her son, Mark, her daughter-in-law, Cheryl, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her cat Lola.
At her request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
Donations in her memory may be made to Crystal Lake Preserve, Inc., 336 W. Lakeview Ave., Lake Mary, FL 32746.
