Leslie Foster Maze

Leslie Foster Maze, beloved mother, grandmother, counselor, educator, avid historian, horsewoman, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, at the age of 78 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Herald Maze. Leslie is survived by her two daughters Lauren Krause and Julie Carothers. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Caden Krause, Ryland Krause, Ella Carothers, and Kellan Carothers, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life.

Born on September 1, 1947, in Concord, Massachusetts, Leslie was the youngest daughter of Mary and Herb Smith and was the step daughter to Delta Smith. She grew up alongside her four siblings, Roger Smith, JoAnn Kelly, Debbie Booth, & Wendy Audette. As a young girl, Leslie moved with her family to Atlanta, Georgia then later relocated to California with her mother during her high school years. There, she fell in love with the beauty, freedom, and spirit of the West Coast. She graduated from San Rafael High School before returning to Georgia to attend the University of Georgia, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She later continued her education in Florida, earning a Master’s degree in Teaching.

Leslie’s first marriage was to Warren Godbee Simonds with whom they raised Lauren and Julie. She later married Thomas Herald Maze, who also lovingly helped raise her daughters and remained her devoted partner until his passing in 2009.

A lifelong advocate for young people, Leslie discovered her true calling in education and counseling. Her passion for helping students led her to obtain her counseling license and dedicate much of her professional life to supporting young people. She served as a high school guidance counselor at Ames High School in Iowa and later continued her counseling career in Minnesota by obtaining her Behavioral Mental Health license. Countless students benefited from her wisdom, compassion, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential.

After Tom’s passing, Leslie spent a great majority of her time by volunteering with her service Shepherd, Libby. She fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to California. There she immersed herself in the things she loved most: riding dressage horses, traveling the world with friends, and enjoying the beauty of Northern California with family. Whether exploring a new country, riding horses, or simply taking a walk through her neighborhood, Leslie left every place better than she found it.

Leslie was known for her deep compassion, generosity, and remarkable ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. An avid walker, she routinely picked up litter along her routes, believing that small acts of kindness could make a meaningful difference. She never hesitated to help someone in need, offer a listening ear, or extend friendship to a stranger. Her warmth, empathy, and genuine interest in others created lasting connections wherever life took her.

Last September, Leslie moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to her two daughters and to spend more time with her sister Debbie and brother-in-law Donald Booth. She continued to cultivate friendships, cherish family gatherings, and share stories from her many adventures.

Leslie’s life was defined by love, service, curiosity, adventure, and compassion. She touched countless lives through her work, friendships, and unwavering commitment to making the world a kinder place. Her legacy will live on in the students she guided, the family she adored, the friends she treasured, and the many lives she enriched simply by being herself.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Friends are invited to join the family in remembering Leslie by donating to charities that aligned her hobbies and passions.

Equus Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to safeguarding the comfort and dignity of America's horses throughout their lives and sharing their magic and power with as many people as possible. Our mission is to protect America's horses and strengthen the bond between horses and people.

All Shepard Rescue

All Shepherd Rescue finds adoptable, lovable, and in-need Shepherds and Shepherd mixes for your family.

To Write Love On Her Arm

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

We are dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Our Alliance includes more than 650 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need.