Leslie Kathleen Heird

Leslie was born on October 5, 1961, in the Morrell Park section of Baltimore to Charles and Catherine Owings. She grew up in Baltimore Highlands and resided in Severna Park for the last 37 years.

Leslie was universally beloved for her incredible style, beauty, wit, cooking, passion for others, and fierce independence. Her world was her family. She was the greatest fan of her children, Katie and Sam, and took that to a new level with her grandchildren Lucia, Violet, and Cooper.

Leslie was a caretaker to many despite her own challenges. Her active role in childcare for all three grandchildren has left an indelible stamp on them. Leslie was a nurturer who received at least a dozen calls on Mother’s Day each year from those whom she made feel special. She opened her home to countless college students needing housing for internships. Holidays meant an incredible table with a guest list that was ever-changing and beyond eclectic. She loved travel, music, popular culture, Fresca, and all things royal. Leslie was a lifelong boater. From childhood fishing with her Dad at Cobb Island in southern Maryland to 25 years on the Severn River and even a few years of pontoon boating on the Fox River/Chain of Lakes in Illinois.

Leslie’s favorite place was a breezy day on her porch in Ben Oaks, under a fan and next to a fan. If you were lucky enough to find yourself there with her, it was going to be a very long day/evening/late night of incredible conversation that you would not want to end.

Leslie earned an English degree at UMBC and famously took her last final exam the morning of her and Mark’s wedding day, December 23, 1983. She passed away one day prior to their 42nd wedding anniversary. Leslie and Mark met in Mrs. Wallaces’ 10th grade English class at Lansdowne High in 1976 and began their relationship a few years later. They had a wonderful and happy marriage that created a beautiful family, countless memories, and amazing friendships. In addition to Maryland, they lived in Cary, NC; Ann Arbor, MI; and McHenry, IL.

Prior to UMBC, Leslie earned an associate’s degree in court stenography from Villa Julie College. She enjoyed an interesting career as a freelance court reporter primarily in Washington, DC. Her career gave plenty of material for her masterful story telling. She retired early to focus on being a full-time Mom and then a devoted Gigi, her true life’s work.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Mark; daughter, Katherine Heird Villamar (Kevin Wengernuk); son, Samuel Owings Heird (Morgan); grandchildren, Lucia Adriana Villamar, Violet Sky Villamar and Cooper Depena Heird. She was the matriarch of her family and had a very special bond with her nephew, Sergeant Chobie van Rossum, and niece Stephanie Cole.

Leslie was preceded in death by her father and mother, brother Stephen Owings, and sister Dawn Marie van Rossum.