Well mom, it's now been 12 years. I'm sitting here at work crying my heart out. and hoping no on sees. There's still a giant hole and void in my life, and I want you to know you are never forgotten. You live on in all of your beautiful grandkids, and believe me, they all know grandma Leslie. What I wouldn't do for one more hug. One more phone call.  
Love, Jenny

Leslie was one of the first people I got to know at PGCH, thru a friend Jimmy Abel. We often had after work parties at my house, and although Jim & Leslie met at work, they ‘hooked up’ at my house! Do you remember, Jim, Maureen Moore’s house in Cheverly.  I moved away in 1977, but called her on a visit home. By this time you were married, living in or near Silver Spring. She was near the end of her first pregnancy, but we couldn’t manage a lunch, but I surely enjoyed talking to her. Remember many of my friends from Prince George’s, but Leslie always stayed on my mind. You have my condolences.  She was a wonderful nurse & friend which is why I tried to look her up when I was back in Maryland this past September. Was SO saddened to find her under the obituary search. 

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of the love of your life. Remembering your great love story today and always.

My Dearest Leslie,
It is hard to believe that today; it will have been one year since you left us to be with God. It seems like just yesterday that we were talking face to face. There are so many times that I want to ask you for advice or just talk, but all I get is silence in return. 
 There were so many things that I wish I had said or not said while you were here. You always told it like it was. I always admired you so much especially how you raised three wonderful children and your devotion to your family.
In the 10 years that we were together you taught me so much about life and living. I am so happy that my computer was not working for the last week of your life so that we talked to each other so much more. From the first time I talked to you on the phone more than 10 years ago until you left us on June 11, nobody has affected my life so. I thank you for letting me find the letter that you wrote to me, but never sent. It is the most treasured thing that I ever got from you, but now I know you are my guardian angel always looking out for me and your family.
 I miss you calling me 10 times a day when I was out just to say hello or to see how I was doing. I miss you sleeping and being at the bottom of my bed so that we could be closer together in case either one of us needed something even if it was to ask each other how we were. Most of all I miss you with your pretty eyes and beautiful smile and always your words of encouragement. 
You always thought of others, even when you were getting ready to go to the hospital for that last time, you were thinking of me and said that you were sad that you would miss my birthday little did I know what you meant by that. I would give everything just to see you once again, but I am happy that you no longer have to struggle for each breath. You always loved to sing and dance and now you can do so with ease. Each time you saw a butterfly you said that it was your dad. Now, I will do the same thing but I will also think of you. You always enjoyed life so much. I love you now and I will until we meet again in Heaven.
Love,
Your Frankie

hi mom... just thinking alot about you today.. i miss u so much and i wish u were here. i know heaven loves you.. u are probably the life of the party up there.. you always were. :) thank you for watching over us and being our guardian angel. i love you and i will talk to you soon. xoxoxoxo

Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me; where troubles melt like lemon-drops, away above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me...Somewhere over the rainbow.

I love you Aunt Leslie and will miss you very much,

Love,
Whitney

Leslie:  I see you, hear you, and can feel you (still holding on to my underwear).  I will keep you in my heart and mind every day, and will miss all the good/bad times we have had these last 54 years!  See you again soon, I LOVE YOU!!  Your sister, Debi

To The Gardners & Cepko Families - I'm so sorry for your loss.  I too attended St Patrick's Academy with Leslie.  She had a beautiful smile that lit up her face.  She will be missed by all of us. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.  God Bless!

I cannot add anything that hasn't already been said.  Your smile and  your sense of humor was contagious.  You loved life and we loved you.
I know you are in good hands now.

My love always, "Aunt" Judy

Jim, Karen and all family members:
My name is Penny Eastman and I was one of Leslie's best friends from high school (along with Emily Hill, Kathy Barrett, Kathy Hughes, Kathy Herring, etc#. We LOVED Leslie and her crazy funny loving personality. I went to Florida with Leslie shortly after we graduated #twice#. One of the times she had a broken leg and trying to manuever around was hilarious!  She even helped me drive #that was interesting) .. you can imagine.  I'm very sorry to have missed the memorial service .. I did not get the word until late Wednesday night that Leslie had passed away. Please know that I am thinking about her, her family and all the love and laughter she brought us. She was a pistol!! Love Penny

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.  I knew Leslie as a child and thought of her as a sister then, she was a big part of my family.  I'm very sorry for your loss.

Leslie, I am happy to have been able to call you my friend, I will miss you!

God Bless you!
Love, Kathy Barnard

Dear Jim and family-
So sorry for your loss and this time of sadness. May the memories you have made help to comfort you at this time. Prayers are going out for all of you. May God's healing touch help to lessen the pain.

to all of Leslie's family<:( i was so shocked to hear the news.  )I will keep Leslie and all of you in my prayers.  I was a classmate at St Pat's with Leslie and the one memory (oh i have lots of great memories) i have is when we all had to do shorthand and then transcription and Leslie was very bright she was finished first so the nun was out in the other room and leslie went up and reread the whole letter for the slow ones #like me<:)) to copy it.  we did a lot of funny things in high school.  i lost touch but was just asking about her over the weekend ...........she will surely be missed....i guess God needed another angel in heaven .................God Bless you all. Kathy Hughes

Dear Cepko Family and Gardner Family.  I am one of the MANY Friends that Leslie had from H. S. (St. Patricks A.).  Leslie was a very nice and friendly classmate.  Many times she would get us all laughing at some silly things that she would do.  I am truly so sorry of your loss.  I will pray for Leslie and you all.  We will deeply miss her.  Again my Deepest Sympathy to the whole Family.  "GOD BLESS YOU ALL".  Katherine(Barrett)Ferrang, Roy, Utah.

Spending many years in the Gardner house growing up was always an adventure.  Some of my best stories and memories have come from spending  time on Van Buren Street.  Leslie was a free-spirit, a bright beautiful light, and most certainly an example of living life to the fullest. Remember the joy she has brought to us all, she is a true angel now.  Lynn Biegel Doyle

My prayers and love are with you.  Leslie and I spent great times together in St. Patricks Academy.  She and I truly had a sister bond that was the greatest!  

Wanda (Brown) Outlaw

First my condolences to the Cepko and Gardner family and everyone who knew her. 
Leslie touched so many lives with such compassion and such a giving heart, but she had her feisty side also and I am sure she is already telling God how he could improve things.

She always put others before herself sometimes to her own detriment. I had the pleasure of her living with me for the past 10 years. She said I was her best friend and she definitely was mine. 

She said that Jenny, Lauren and Erika were the most important things in her life and she was so proud of all of them. She also said that her family was the best and always stood beside her. Whenever she saw a butterfly she said it was her father who was always her biggest hero. 
Now, I will do the same for you.

I loved you for years and I always looked forward to your wave when I left or came home. Everything I do reminds me of you. I miss you so much just like everyone else who knew you.

Leslie's life ended far too soon on this earth but her spirit lives on here and in heaven. Leslie had an insatiable appetite to learn and now you know everything.

Love,
Frank

To the Gardner and Cepko families - my condolences on the loss of Leslie.  She was my friend since January 1964 when we first met.  We were neighbors, classmates and friends. May she rest in peace.  Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Today's the day I say goodbye to my best friend. No one loved you more than I did. You were the world to me. I know you are so much happier now, and I know you don't want me to worry. I'm trying. Please watch over Dad, Lauren, Erica, and I.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Cepko and Gardner families. She will be missed, she was beautiful, and VERY VERY funny and talented. Keep on DANCING....Love to all. Frank and Evelyn McGinniss

Leslie, I will always think of you as the beautiful little girl that grew into a beautiful woman. You were always thinking of others and I will always think of you. I love you, "your aunt Sue"

Leslie..my cousin and my friend...so many summers my sister Joy and I spent at the Gardner House...Leslie was always following Karen, Patty and us around, as little sisters do, and she always made us laugh...we will miss her very much...Karen and Patti...what can I say to ease your pain over the loss of your sister...I just can't imagine...the sister relationship is one of the most important in the world...our hearts and prayers go out to you and the entire Gardner family..we love you cuz...Love, Mary Lou

We are so sorry to hear of Leslie's passing.  What wonderful memories we have of Leslie with having grown up across the street from the Gardners.

Jim,
So sorry to hear of your loss.  May God be with you and your family during this difficult time

We were sorry to hear about Leslie she and all the Gardners are always fun to be around.But you will always have her in your heart.We are very sorry. Dave and Lisa Lederman.(Kay's niece)

My deepest sympathy goes out to Leslie's family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  I went to St. Patrick's Academy with Leslie. She was a great classmate and friend.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jim, Girls, and Family,
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.  We never got to know Leslie in the neighborhood, but looking at the pictures, she will live on in your beautiful girls.  Hugs to all of you!
The Hajek Family

Dear Leslie. I am not going to put a halo on your head. We all konw  it would not fit. But I am going to tell you thank you for giving us 3 wonderful girls. Jenny,Lauren and Erica all have your beauty, love of life, and huge hearts.I know they were EVERYTHING  to you. You live in them ,and that gives me comfort. 

While the last few years were rough, you know that I always loved you and I know that you loved me. 

When you got to Heaven,I can see your Dad saying;Leslie, what the Hell are you doing here so soon. And your Mom said; come here sweetheart. There is no more pain or hardache for you. We are here, and soon everyone will be together. 

Leslie, Rest in Peace.

Love, 

Jim

Jim & Family,
May the Lord bring comfort to your hearts at this time of sorrow.

To my little sister, my lookalike, my friend.  There is such a hole in our family now that will never be filled.  I will love and miss you everyday of my life.

My sincerest sympathy to Jim,and to the entire Cepko and Gardner families. From St.John the Baptist de la Salle and during high school, Leslie was always the always the brightest, funniest person around.

I went to St. Patrick's with Leslie I remember her smile and her laugh. We used to have fun making faces at each other during class.  She will be missed Cindy Queenin

My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time grief!

We're all so sorry to hear about your loss... you all have been in our thoughts and prayers. Love always, The Rousseau Family

To the entire Cepko Family, 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with the loss of Leslie. If there is anything that we can do, please do not hesitate to ask.
The Buchlers

JIM MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU  AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. YOU ALL ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
SINCERELY, LOREEN

There are so many things that I will remember about Leslie.  What a light she was!  And a force.  I never knew anyone so exuberant, enthusiastic, or joyful.  "Groovin"("You and me and LESLIE! Groovin'..."), Ventura Highway, Gracie Slick, Susie's jeans, so many things.  To the Gardner family, and to Jim and the girls, I hope you can find some comfort in all the memories that people will share with you.  There will never be anyone like her.  "How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand."  Be strong and happy in her memory.

Jim and family, My condolences to you during this difficult time.  You are in my prayers. God bless you

Dear Jim, 
My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of Leslie. May God bless and comfort you and give you peace. I am praying for you.

Jim, 
It is not easy to face situations like these. But I want you to know that you are not alone. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. May God our father, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus and through the Holy Spirit grant you strength and peace.
May you receive my sincere condolences.

yesterday we were kids ... today we mourn our loss ... tomorrow we will start anew ...forever our love will keep us     God Bless You All

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Gardner Family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim-

May the lord ease up your hearts and give you strength at this hard time. My prayers go out to you and your family during this trying time.

The Casey family sends our deepest sympathy for the loss of Leslie.  She was a wonderful neighbor in the old neighborhood and always full of life.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.  Clara, Tom, and Kids

My prayers are with you, let me know if I can do anything    Jay Fuller

Jim -  

I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.

May God Bless and be with all of you.

To the Gardner & Cepko families, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I remember many good times w/Les, sharing clothes, stories, & secrets. I will always remember her beautiful smile & incredible laugh. 
(and of course Les the "hands").

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cepko-Gardner families; allow yourselves time to grieve Leslie and to celebrate her life.  With sympathy -- the Pontzer-Rivas family

Jim:
My prayers are for you and the family and  the girls.   Remember the good times and the blessings...

Karen Hart, Washington Adventist Hosp, Respiratory Care

Karen and Debi, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.  May you find peace with your fond memories of Leslie.

My sister, my friend...when I'm walking down the street and have you on my mind, I'll know you're walking with me, only 1/2 a step behind.  I loved you with my whole heart and soul.  You made me laugh and I thank you for that...

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  There's comfort in knowing that Leslie is no longer suffering and is together again in peace with those family members we have already lost.

To the entire Gardner Family,  My deepest sympathy goes out to each and every one of you.  I have you all in my prayers.  Your sister was a very special lady, and you all know she is raising a fuss up in heaven with her parents and grandparents.  Love to all

Jim, Jenny, Lauren and Erica,  My heartfelt sympathy goes out to each and every one of you.  Anyone who knew Leslie has wonderful beautiful memories or her to live on in our hearts.  She was a very special person, who brought laughter and smiles where ever she went.  Take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.  You all are in my prayers.  Love always

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Leslie.    She's  gottten her angel wings!!   May she rest in peace.   To her whole family; may the happy and sweet memories of Leslie help you find your smile during this difficult time.  Tom and Nadine Pfaffman, Crofton, MD.

So sorry for your loss. Leslie was a gifted girl, She has departed us all to soon.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!

The Treffingers

My deepest sympathy to the Gardner and Celko  family. Leslie"s sweet smile
is a wonderful memory. 
Christi Moffatt


 .

I knew Leslie from my St John Baptist de la Salle days.  So sorry to learn about Leslie's death.  With deepest sympathies to the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of Leslie bring you comfort.

Our deepest sympathy to "all" the Gardners on the loss of your lovely sister, Leslie.  She was talented, beautiful & too young to have departed so soon.  She loved you & her family immensely. I know that, as a child, she missed you girls so very much when, because of her age, she was left behind on your jaunts to the beach. Remember all your good times together and don't forget that she's at peace now -- right up there with the angels.  We'll miss her too!

Jim, Lauren, Jenny, & Erica,

We are so sorry to hear about Leslie.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all along with our deepest sympathy.

The Cepko Family. Jim, Jenny, Lauren, Erica and Jason Walck. We love you so much!!

Leslie's version of "Flashdance"  at Holden Beach will live forever in our minds.  Our condolences to the entire Gardner Family.  Lots of love, Bob and Candace Davis

OBITUARY

Leslie A. Cepko

September 4, 1955 – June 11, 2010

Robert E. Evans Funeral Home

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