A FORMER employee at Leigh's BICC plant has died in the USA.

Alma Statham, aged 73, was a native of Leigh who moved to the United States nearly 40 years ago. She died on April 24 in hospital in Pennsylvania, PA, after complications following a sudden illness.

She left Leigh in 1963 and in 1971 moved to the Lancaster area of Pennsylvania. Before emigrating she attended business school and was employed by BICC. In 1994 she retired from Steckel Printing Inc where she was employed part-time in the bindery department.

A member of Bedford St. Thomas Church during her time in Leigh Mrs Statham and her husband, Frank, had celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary at the end of March.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by married sons Robert and Alan and five grandchildren. Her brother, Jack Hayes and his wife, Joan, live in Leigh.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at St. Edward's Episcopal Church, in Lancaster, PA. If desired memorial contributions and or floral tributes may be directed to the St. Edwards Church or The Sheetz Funeral Home, Inc. 16 East Main Street, Mount Joy, PA, USA.