Leslie A. Weichenthal - Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home

Welcome, Guest Log in or Register

Search Obituaries:

Advanced Search Show Popular Searches

1-Column 2-Column

Leslie A. Weichenthal

Leslie Ann Sears Weichenthal passed away peacefully on July 22, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Leslie was born on April 21,1948 in Rochester, NY, to Clifford Edward Sears and Anita Behnke Sears.

Leslie is survived by her husband, David Weichenthal. She married David on December 28, 1974 in Pittsford, New York. Also surviving are children Wendy Weichenthal (Derek Markle) and Stephen (Patti) Weichenthal; and two grandchildren, Alexander Simpkins and Emma Weichenthal. In addition, Leslie is survived by siblings Pamela Riedl (Helmut), Mary Lee Ten Eyck (Toby), Elizabeth "Betsy" Sears (James Renk) and Clifford Sears (Priscilla), as well as ten nieces and nephews.

Leslie graduated from Pittsford High School and received her Bachelor of Secondary Education from Keuka College. She earned her permanent teaching certificate at SUNY Geneseo and a Master of Theological Studies from Trinity Lutheran Seminary.

A passionate educator, Leslie taught physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged high school students at BOCES in Fairport, NY for seven years. She later became a professor of speech and composition at Marion Technical College. There she started a literary publication for student authors and promoted high standards in the classroom. She touched thousands of lives.

As a retiree, Leslie taught Learning Enrichment classes for seniors. One class on journal writing spawned a local writers' group. A woman of strong faith, she also taught adult Sunday school and was a former Sunday school superintendent.

An avid bridge player, Leslie played for 30 years and achieved her life master, bronze life master and silver life master this past year. She shared her passion with others by teaching free bridge classes. She is a past director of the Marion Duplicate Bridge Club.

Leslie had the heart of a servant. She volunteered for a decade at the Marion Palace Theatre. She loved feeding people through the free community suppers and the produce giveaways through her church. In the past, she served at the Columbus family homeless shelter and Faith Mission. She fought suicide by volunteering at Care-line. She painted homes with Habitat for Humanity in response to Appalachian flooding.

Leslie was truly interested in people and their stories. She greeted you with a smile and had a ready laugh. She took an interest in different cultures and loved to travel. She lived in England for a summer, studying Shakespeare and meeting Sir Laurence Olivier.

Leslie was a fierce advocate for her loved ones and against injustice. She cared for her family and friends through illnesses and crises. She embodied her favorite verse in Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

A voracious reader, Leslie savored mysteries and had the pleasure of meeting Anne Perry at the Marion Public Library. She enjoyed logic puzzles and crafts, including knitting and quilting. Leslie loved animals, including dogs and a pet rabbit.

Calling hours will be at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waldo on Sunday, July 30 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Sarah Schaaf will be on Monday, July 31 at 11 a.m. at the same location. The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 135 W. Main St. Waldo, Ohio 43356 in Leslie's honor. They will be divided among the community suppers, the produce giveaway, Heifer International and a school in Haiti.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.

Florist Login

Feel free to post a remembrance on this person's birthday,
anniversary of passing, holidays, or whenever feels appropriate.

#1 from:

Paula Whaley
Carrboro, North Carolina

pwhaley62@gmail.com

Mon, Jun 6, 2022 at 11:03 AM

If not for this woman, I would not be where I am today!
Her creative writing class was the first college course I had taken after walking away from Honda. In that first class she wanted us to open our minds and fill the blank page in front of us… that blank page grew seemingly larger and brighter as my thoughts began to swirl.
I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life, she found me in the bathroom and encouraged me to return to class. She unlocked something in me that I didn’t realize I had. I still use too many commas and eclipses, and think of her most every time I do. I’m now in year 28 as a nurse and owe so much to this lovely soul.
Much love to Leslie’s family and friends… from the dinosaur loving twins Momma. Fly high friend.

View Older Condolences >>

#1 from:

Linda and Joe Blue
Marion, Ohio

Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 11:17 AM

Sorry to hear about the passing of Leslie. She was a great lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. 🙏

#2 from:

Janine Williams
Marion, Ohio

Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 3:23 PM

Dave, Wendy, Derek, Alex, Mason,
Sending you prayers and hugs on the loss of Leslie. A great and fun Lady. She is now your own Angel in Heaven smiling down with that infectious grin and laugh of hers.
Janine Williams

#3 from:

Phyllis J. & Craig Boblenz
Marion,Ohio

Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 8:06 PM

Dear David and family, Our sympathy to all the family as you will miss such a fine spirited lady. Leslie & P.J. were fortunate to spend quality time at least two times a week. There was never a conversation without religion and family. Her face really lit with love for her husband, children & grandchildren. She talked of New York & her sisters.God bless & comfort you in the days ahead.

#4 from:

Betsy Sears
Phoenix, NY

Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 7:28 PM

My beautiful, fun loving, crazy sense of humor, huge hearted sister - I will miss you always.You are at Peace and are whole again, which you need after all of your months of suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with all of your loved ones too! You were always an inspiration and will always be one! I love you!

#5 from:

Rhonda Boster

Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 7:42 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. Keep her memories close to your heart. You'll always find her there.

#6 from:

Debbie Hinaman

Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 7:43 PM

To Leslie's family...I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of being a student in one of her classes years ago at Marion Technical College. She was such an interesting, helpful teacher. I wanted her to teach all my classes. She knew how to motivate you to do your best. Very helpful to me. My condolences to all of you.

#7 from:

Deb Fissell
My. Gilead

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 9:16 AM

So sorry to hear of Leslie's passing. I was one of her students at MTC and she was very inspirational to both me and my best friend Judy. Though Judy and I were adult students she always took the time to listen to our frustrations about our lack of writing skills and helped us become decent writers by the end of our classes! My prayers are with the family at this time as they deal with the loss of such a great lady!

#8 from:

Jack and Debbie Gaines
Indian Land SC

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 10:08 AM

Our hearts go out to the Weichenthal family. God grant you Strength and Peace in your time of need.

#9 from:

Laura Winters/Duke
Waverly, Ohio

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 11:59 AM

The world has been Blessed and mow is a little less with the passing of this wonderful woman.

#10 from:

Nancy Spilberg
Brockport

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 12:20 PM

Such a beautiful and loving Leslie. How blessed we all are to have had her be a part of our lives.I share your sadness. Sympathy and love to David, Wendy and Derek, Steven and Patti and Alex and Emma.

#11 from:

Toni binkley

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 4:11 PM

Leslie was one of the first person who greeted Steve and me at St Paul's by the hospital so many years ago. She was true and great friend in my life. She will be missed. Dave, Wendy and Stephen you are all in our prayers

#12 from:

Beverley Rogacs
Delaware OH

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 8:43 PM

Dear Wendy and family.
I am so very sad that your mother has passed. I'll keep you all in my prayers as it will be so difficult to continue on without her...such an amazing, beautiful and loving lady. What a great loss for earth, but what a trrrific gain for Heaven! I can still hear the cheers of welcoming joy. God bless all.

#13 from:

Kamma Con
Richwood

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 9:22 PM

My condolences to the family. Leslie was my favorite teacher at MTC. Wonderful lady!

#14 from:

Nancy and Mark Carey

Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 10:38 PM

Dear Dave and Family, Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. We will always remember Leslie's ready, genuine smile. Her joy was contagious. She will be missed, by us and so many others.

#15

Private Log in to view.

View Index | Notify Me | Print Condolences