The family of Leslie Leibowitz sadly announces her passing on April 7, 2023 after a yearlong battle with ovarian cancer. Leslie was a 1956 graduate of Allegany High School, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Radio and Television Communications the University of Maryland College Park. She taught 5th grade at Berwyn Elementary school in Prince Georges County until she, her husband Barney, and eldest son Steve moved back to Cumberland in 1959. After her daughter Nancy and twin sons Mark and Mike were born, Leslie was a stay-at-home mom until 1973. She became a Title I Parent Coordinator for the Board of Education working for 20 years. Obtaining a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University in 1993, Leslie became a psychotherapist at The Allegany County Health Department Out-Patient Addictions Family Therapy Program and at Psychological Services of Western Maryland, working there for more than 20 years. Her passion for her "life's work", expertise and ability to listen were respected by clients and colleagues alike. She was generous with her time and wisdom. She taught about grief and loss, managing anxiety and depression, and practiced individual and couples' therapy. Leslie taught about life, the real world, and family values.

Leslie always felt her greatest achievements in life were the closeness of her family and her longstanding friendships. She took advantage of every opportunity to share in life's joys with friends and loved ones, and was a constant source of support for them. Her friends were numerous, and represented every age and walk of life. Her loyalty, directness, and wonder were an inspiration to all who knew her. Leslie loved to cook, and was known for her potato salad, coffee cakes, chocolate chip and 7-layer cookies. Her annual Thanksgiving dinners shared with family and friends were legendary.

In her personal life, Leslie created friendships and forged bonds that will never be broken. She loved her high school "Lunch Brunch", her YaYa sisters, and her Past Perfect volunteer group. Having lunch or afternoon tea with friends were some of her greatest pleasures.

Leslie lived life to the fullest, and had an indomitable spirit, full of energy and always ready to go. She was a loyal Ravens fan after her earlier life as an avid Baltimore Colts fan, never missing a home game. Leslie was a dog lover, and was predeceased by Smokey, Prudence, Dutchie, and Annie, he companion of 18 years. A loyal friend and respected colleague, her love, generosity and caring for others were felt by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her eldest son Steve (Steve Richards) Leibowitz, her three sisters by other mothers, Lois Lazarus Schwab, Iris Eustace Halmos, and Shaila Pai. She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Barney, and her three amazing children, Nancy Leibowitz Weller, Mark William Leibowitz (Susie) and Michael Gary Leibowitz (Alma), five fantastic and talented grandchildren Matthew, Karen, Gaby, and Kyle Leibowitz, Nicole Weller, one sweet great grandchild Eli Dampman, her brother, Jock Millenson, niece, Anna Millenson (Mark Wilens), grandniece Thea Wilens, and grandnephew, Luc Wilens. She is also survived by the Ross-Pai and Leffers families who adopted her as a second grandmother and embraced her with love and support.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Huma Shakil and her staff for their many years of wonderful health care and support, the nurses, and staff of hospice, Lisa and Samantha of Comfort Keepers, and to her special friends who walked her final path with her, Valeria, Nancy, Ann, Maureen, Nancy, Peter, Clara, Fran, Doug, Nicole, Lisa, Pam, Sandi, Elaine, Cookie and Sonia. Leslie was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her keen intelligence, compassion, generosity and dignity infused all that she did. She left a legacy that serves as an inspiration to all. Her compassion for others allowed her to contribute immensely to the world around her. We will always remember her joy and love. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Millenson-Leibowitz Counseling Psychology Graduate Scholarship fund at Frostburg State University that may be made payable to FSU Foundation, 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, MD 21532, or given online at www.frostburg.edu/makeagift.

Per Leslie's request, there will be a private interment at East View Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family is being assisted by the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A.