Leigh Whitman Director

Leigh Whitman Director, born March 18, 1982, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, found eternal peace with our Lord on January 11, 2025. Her life was a profound testimony to faith, resilience, and unconditional love, inspiring all who knew her to draw closer to God.

Born with cystic fibrosis, Leigh faced challenges most of us cannot imagine, yet she carried them with grace and strength that reflected her unwavering trust in the Lord. At just 14 years old, she became a medical pioneer, undergoing the first-ever successful double lung and liver transplant. Leigh always spoke of this miracle as a gift from God, one that gave her "28 extra years" to love, serve, and share her light with the world. Leigh’s health declined during her freshman year at Mt. Carmel Academy. It was then that principal Sister Camillle Anne, rallied the student body, which gave Leigh hope and encouragement through her recovery process. Throughout her journey, Leigh remained forever grateful to her original organ donor, Randi Clark, whose sacrifice and untimely passing made her life possible.

Leigh was deeply devoted to her husband, Jeff Director, and their five beautiful children, all lovingly adopted into their family. She embraced adoption as a calling and described it as "a labor of love" and the ultimate expression of God’s grace. Her home overflowed with laughter, faith, and joy—a reflection of her vibrant spirit and steadfast belief in God’s plan.

To those who knew her, Leigh’s life was a testament to being a light, a guide, and an inspiration, touching innumerable hearts with her unwavering spirit. Through her blog, charitable work, and personal

connections, she shared her journey of faith and gratitude, encouraging others to lean on God’s promises and live each day with purpose. Leigh served as the executive director of their Family Foundation that supported causes deeply meaningful to her, including the CF foundation, Bridge House/Grace House, Right to Life, and many more, impacting a multitude of lives through her tireless dedication.

Leigh leaves behind a legacy of hope and faith that will continue to ripple through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched. She taught us to love unconditionally trust in God’s grace, and find strength in both joy and sorrow. She is survived by her husband, Jeff Director; their five children: Eli Wayne, Benson Claire, Oliver Stanley, Rhett Rueben, and Corinne Katherine; her parents, Wayne and Diane Yochim Whitman; her siblings, Gregory Whitman (Allison), and Jaclyn Whitman Ezzo (Izzy), her in laws, Alan and Judy Director, and Lane Director (Ashley); who will carry her mission forward with gratitude and faith. Leigh was preceded in death by her cherished grandparents, Robert (Coach) and Miriam (Mim) Benson Whitman, Raymond (Papa) and Jacqueline (Gran) Ray Yochim, Uncles Ray and Myron Yochim. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Rayleigh, Weston, Evvie, Leighton, Kenzie, Abe, Madeline, and Audrey. In addition, Leigh’s family extends their most sincere gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Ochsner hospital.

One of Leigh’s letters to her brother beautifully encapsulates her life’s purpose: "Let your heart be at the forefront of all you do, in each and every day. A heart at work with love and gratitude will continue to transform not only your world but will bring more joy to the world around you. After all, that is why we are here."

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Benilde Catholic Church, 1901 Division Street in Metairie at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025. A visitation and recitation of the rosary will begin at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow the Mass at All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd - New Orleans, Louisiana 70124.

*IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, OUR FAMILY WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATION TO THE La CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION.