Leigh Ellen Duncan

Leigh Ellen Duncan (maiden name Leigh Ellen Creech) of Altamonte Springs, Florida, passed away on March 17, 2021. Born in 1968 in San Antonio, Texas, she experienced living in Texas, the Philippines and New York before moving with her family to Maitland, Florida in 1976. After graduating from Winter Park High School in 1986, she attended Florida State University and the University of Central Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree and a Florida teaching certificate.

Leigh dedicated her life to journalism. Right after college, she worked for Harcourt Brace as editor for numerous children's books and teaching material. Her success led her to work for Bonnier Corporation/World Publications supporting multiple national consumer magazines and websites and as editor for Water Sport Retailer and Boating Life. Her future roles expanded into advertising, marketing and copywriting while working for Correct Craft as Editor in Chief for Natique News magazine and later for Global Travel International. Her expertise in travel and leisure culminated while working for multiple magazines in the Orlando, Florida area -- Orlando Home & Leisure as Senior and Managing Editor, Orlando Magazine as Associate Editor and Orlando Wedding as Magazine Editor in Chief. Leigh also held numerous jobs as a contractor and freelance writer, ultimately finishing her career supporting social media and marketing for National Write Your Congressman.

She was a prolific and creative journalist and could write about anything, interviewing and writing exposés on Wolfgang Puck and Ty Pennington, even authoring an article on Cuban cigars (one her father was particularly impressed with). Her exceptional accomplishments completed an amazing career and her legacy is memorialized on the Internet where many of her articles will be found for years to come.

Leigh's excitement for her work did not overshadow her love of family and friends; she often dedicated her time and energy to help others. She adored Zach, Joe, and all her family to the moon and back. She loved animals, especially her rescue dog Bo Belle. Several pets were even brought home from school much to her parents’ surprise! Classic comedies and TV shows were among her favorites; she would love to laugh with everyone quoting funny lines. As kids, Leigh and her brother often drove their parents crazy on long car trips to see family with boundless giggling playing with a J.J. (Jimmy Walker) doll from Good Times.

Leigh was preceded in death by her father David Lee Creech of Maitland, Florida. She is survived by her fiancé, Joe Kienzler of Altamonte Springs, Florida; son, Zachary Duncan of Altamonte Springs, Florida; mother, Susan Creech, née Ross of Maitland, Florida; brother, Ross Creech (Christine) of Snoqualmie, Washington; previous spouse, Jeffrey Duncan of St. Cloud, Florida and by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and extended family across the country. She will be greatly missed.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see

that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

― Kahlil Gibran

Memorials can be made in Leigh's memory to St. Jude Children's Research (www.stjude.org) or another charity of choice.

Family and friends may share memories and keep informed of future plans at Baldwin Fairchild www.baldwinfairchildeastaltamonte.com.