Leslie Susan Anderson

Leslie Roach Jolley Anderson passed away on September 20, 2026 while living with her daughter, Stacy Anderson and son-in-law, Daniel Caron in rural Ohio, near Wheeling, WV. She had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Leslie was born August 11, 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Lester and Lucille Roach. She was blessed with the love and eternal bond of siblings, JoAnn, Michele and Tom.

Leslie married two great loves in her life, husbands’ William Charles “Bill” Anderson and Harry Jolley, both deceased. Leslie and Bill had two children, Steve Anderson (deceased) and Stacy Anderson. Harry Jolley’s children are Dana, Lisa (deceased) and Eric Jolley.

Leslie is survived by daughter Stacy, and her husband Daniel Caron; brother Tom Roach and his partner Christine Mazzarella; nephew Brian Roach; nephew Timur Durrani, his wife Samantha Johnston and their children Soraya, Mallelai, Ladaan; granddaughter Natasha Reynolds, her husband Richard Williamson; granddaughter Ashley Anderson and her partner Damen Wood, and great grandchildren Trevor and Jolie; nephews Craig (Christine) Anderson, Jeff (Lynn) Anderson and niece, Cyndy (Rich) Moneymaker. Leslie’s sisters JoAnn and Michele and their husbands, Hisam Duranni and Mel Berg, all passed away much too soon and are greatly missed.

Leslie loved people and meaningful conversation. Casual conversation and small talk were not concepts she embraced.

Leslie wanted to know the person in front of her, their hopes and dreams and what made them laugh. She never met a stranger, even if they were strange. Leslie’s ability to connect with people enabled her to excel as a special education teacher, working with emotionally disturbed children and teenagers. Leslie embraced the humanity in everyone, especially people living in the margins of society. Leslie was as comfortable at a country club social event as she was having an impromptu conversation with a mentally ill person on a street corner. She taught others to be kind by her actions and to not be fearful of life’s uncertainties. She embraced life and found humor in absolutely everything, including her own illness, much to the chagrin of those who loved her dearly.

Leslie was tough. If you underestimated her, you would soon learn your mistake. She did not suffer fools. Her sharp wit never wavered even as she was transitioning from life to after-life. Her faith in God and her belief in the power of love allowed her the perspective of acceptance and trust in whatever comes next. She was looking forward to seeing family and friends who have departed even as she mourned leaving her loved ones.

Leslie’s love of adventure kept her on the move when life presented opportunity for change. She was always up for another adventure, never afraid of leaving home. She especially loved living in Kane'ohe, Hawaii and Tucson, Arizona. Her hometown was Topeka, Kansas, a place that was always “home” no matter where she lived. Kansas City, Missouri and St. Clairsville, Ohio were recent bright spots to land. She especially loved living with her daughter, Stacy and son-in-law Daniel on their property in the Ohio countryside.

Watching nature’s creations outside the window and occasionally in the house, brought her much joy. Her faithful feline companion, Jimmy and his new friends, Mickey and Jack were constant bedside companions.

Leslie wrote some thoughts in recent weeks that included a tribute to her network of close friends. She wrote: And then my friends, there are the beautiful and joyful memories you have all given me. Thank you. I will leave you with my favorite stanza from Robert Frost. “And I may return, if dissatisfied with what I learned from having died.”

We should all be so lucky. But I know Mom is now in a better place and she is once again truly home.

The family extends gratitude and thanks to everyone who helped Leslie during her hospital stay at WVU Wheeling Hospital followed by the home health care team and the nurses, clergy, and nursing aides at Amedisys Hospice services.

Honor Leslie’s memory by practicing kindness to others and to yourself. Laugh at life’s absurdities. Never stop learning and challenging others to do the same. Read a book. Smile at a stranger. Eat dessert first. Appreciate the beauty in all things, but especially home décor. Adopt a pet. Embrace adventure. Stand up to bullies. And please, take a nap.