Leslie Lynne Poling, 55, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at her childhood home, the home of her mother, Mary (Richard) Poling, in Cumberland, Maryland, after a long battle with complications from a surgery and radiation to remove a brain tumor in 1991 and subsequent health challenges.

Leslie was born, Twin B, on January 8 (Elvis's birthday),1971, and grew up in South Cumberland. She attended John Humbird Elementary School, Washington Junior High/ Middle School where she was voted "Most Likely to Succeed", and graduated from Fort Hill High School in 1989 where she was president of the National Honor Society, Editor of the school newspaper, a cheerleader, and a member of the Homecoming Court. She was also on the track team and was a lifeguard at the Constitution Park Pool. She was an outstanding student and a friend to all.

She attended Frostburg State University majoring in psychology up until her illness in 1991, and graduated in 1995, with an Associate's Degree from Allegany College of Maryland. She also volunteered at the Romney School for the Deaf and Blind, Cash Valley and West Side Elementary Schools, and the Allegany County Museum. She was a member of the Motivation Group of Cumberland and a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, go thrifting, and had an ornery sense of humor. She enjoyed decorating for and celebrating holidays, going to annual Elvis concerts with her mom and sisters, going to Ocean City in the summers, and Sunday dinners and birthdays with family. She was also an advocate for people with disabilities, and she was a dog lover.

Leslie was a special person, an angel on earth, and touched many people's lives.

She is survived by her mother, Mary (Richard) Poling, and her mother's companion of many years, like a stepfather to her, Al Stafford, her twin sister, Laura (Poling) Michael & Milburn, sister, Chris (Poling) Gilmore & James, and sister, Sydney (Poling) Sibley & Ken.

She is also survived by nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own: Jaymee Gilmore, Allison (Sibley) Rice & Adam Blackburn, Chelsea (Gilmore) Boyer & David, Emily (Michael) Hendershot & Greg, CJ (Christopher) Gilmore, Erin Leslie (Michael) Miller & Ryan, Kenny (Kenneth) Sibley,Jr., Zach Michael & Ava Lewis, and great-niece, Claire Blackburn. Her nephews will be her pallbearers.

She recently became a great aunt to Miley Mae Miller and Ezekiel Simon Hendershot who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her cousins and many special caregivers, including Kendall Hayes, Tracey Pierce, and most recently, Megan Edwards and Tasha Griffin. The family would like to thank them, UPMC Hospice, and Dr. Poonai for their dedication to Leslie and to Keith Cain and Rev. Jeff Zalatoris for comforting her and the family at the end of Leslie's life.

Leslie was preceded in death by her loving and devoted father, Harry Kenneth Poling, with whom she will be laid to rest, and her aunts, uncles, and grandparents. A Heavenly reunion is taking place.

We will carry the many lessons on humanity that Leslie taught us for the rest of our lives. She will live on through all of us.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 8th from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD.

Visitation will continue Wednesday, September 9th from 11:00am to 12:00pm and a funeral service will begin at 12:00pm with Pastor Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Zalatoris and Minister Keith Caine officiating.

Internment will be in Sunset Memorial Park beside her father, Bedford Rd, Cumberland, MD.

The family requests those desiring to make memorial contributions in Leslie's memory to direct them to Resources for Independence, which is a local advocacy group run by and for people with disabilities. Checks can be mailed to: Resources for Independence, 735 East Oldtown Road, Cumberland, MD, 21502 or made online at https://rficil.org/ She would love this, and the family is sincerely grateful for their support of Leslie over the years.

Condulences for the family can be made at www.ScarpelliFH.com