Obituaries

Even though I knew Leah for a short period of time, I found her to be a meek, sincere, kind, sweet and brave soul. I honer her and her leadership as the immediate past chair of the NAMI Peer Leadership Council (PLC). Her legacy lives on through her work in NAMI. She will be missed by all of the PLC members across the US. ~ Darla Denton, Wichita, Kansas

Dear Leah, You were a kind, sweet and brave person. You lead the way for others through your work with NAMI. Your legacy will live on through the work your NAMI family is doing. Rest well. ~ Carlos Larrauri, Miami, Florida

Leah -- you were always a shining light for NAMI -- we miss your spirit and your hard work already! You will always be in our hearts! John Dornheim, NAMI Texas President ~ John Dornheim, Mesquite, Texas

You are in my prayers. I remember Leah as a sweet young woman from high school. I know she will be very missed by her family and those whose lives she touched through her volunteerism. May she find eternal peace. ~ Judy Kirby, Sherman, Texas

Leah has left a legacy of love, dedication and immeasurable service in all that she has done in her NAMI leadership roles and in all the lives that she has touched and inspired. The great sadness of these days among all of us who have had the privilege to know and to work with Leah is a tiny measure of the impact Leah has had and the love and warmth she shared among the entire NAMI family in Texas and across the country. To Leahs family, we send sincere condolences and enormous gratitude for sharing Leah with us. ~ Adrienne Kennedy, Austin, Texas

Leah was "present" at every meeting and "listened" on every call. It always seemed like she was more interested in what you were going to say than her own thoughts. Her empathy was always engaged. She made a contribtion at NAMI that will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family! ~ Steve Pitman, Lake Forest, California

I served with Leah on the NAMI Peer Leadership Council as 2nd Vice President then as 1st Vice President. We shared many common life experiences with each other as well as our NAMI affiliation. She was a very kind and compassionate friend. We were roommates at a NAMI Convention in Washington D.C. and spent some quality time getting to know each other well. Primarily, she shared how important that her family was to her. Please accept my condolences. I know how much she loved you! ~ Christine Thompson, Wamego, Kansas

I don't think there are words that I could say to ease your loss of a very much loved sister and daughter who has left us before her time. What I can say from what I know is even thou she left you behind, God does have a plan, and I truly believe she is in a much better place. Loys and I are there with all of you, and our heart and prayer are for all of you who feel the emptiness and pain in your heart from your loss. We will be praying to God to give you all strength to help ease your pain to go forward remembering all the good and your happy memories you spent with her. I believe our love ones never really leave us, they just go forward ahead of us. I believe she is still with you, she can still see and hear you, and she is watching over you. Loys and I send all our love and if there is anything we can do, just ask. ~ Edward & Loys Lemus, Norco, California

Leah's work with NAMI has helped better the lives of so many living with serious mental illness! She will be missed! Thanks to her family for sharing her with us! ~ Jim Hayes, Greer, South Carolina

I was honored to work with Leah during her time as Chair of the NAMI Peer Leadership Council. She was a kind, gentle and thoughtful collaborator. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family on your tragic loss. ~ Susan Gaffney, Arlington, Virginia

I remember Leah coming to her first NAMI Convention, shyly showing up to our Peer Leadership Council's Annual meeting, and immediately offering herself into a leadership role. She went on and succeeded in all roles on that counsel's Executive Committee. In fact, In June of this year, she Chaired that meeting, 🙂 . Leah always held and and worked toward her visions for improvements, she was consistently collaborative, and she mentored other leaders! Leah has always been a go-get-it-done volunteer, a take-care-of-business leader, and a be-there-for-others kind of lady day in and day out!! I miss Leah's lovely, warm smile and her gentle way. My prayers are extending to each of you family members & for all her friends across the country. Shalom ~ Carrie Roach, Saint Paul, Minnesota

My prayers for you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Leah when she served with the NAMI Peer Leadership Council. She will be missed. ~ Karen Gerndt, Arlington, Virginia

As another member of the NAMI family, please know you have my sincerest condolences. Leah was a personal mentor and guide as I came into the Peer Leadership council, and as time passed she grew to be a friend and a person I considered to be part of my extended family. Leah's tireless dedication to advocacy saved lives, but it was her warmth of heart that changed them forever. ~ Micah Pearson, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Leah was such a special person. She was one of the kindest people I've ever known. She was a friend that I will greatly miss. Knowing her made me a better person and she will live on in my heart forever. ~ Christi Collins, Stockton, Alabama

I had the privilege of working with Leah over the last two years, she was a kind, compassionate and gracious young woman. The last time I saw her was in June, in New Orleans. She and I spoke about how she found meaning in helping others. She started advocating for those with severe mental illness in her hometown, then with the state of Texas and finally at the national level where she ran the Peer Council at NAMI. I will always remember her fondly. Please accept my sincere condolences. ~ Barbara Ricci, New York City, New York

Leah and I were on the national peer council together she was always fun to talk to a great smile and laugh . she will be missed . may you find comfort in these coming days and may her memory be a blessing. Andrea nami vt. ~ andrea kolbe, BENNINGTON, Vermont

Peggy my heart is hurting for you during this difficult time. ~ Carla Keister, Sherman, Texas

We will forever be grateful for Leah's dedication to improving the lives of so many. Her work on the National Board of NAMI along with all her other volunteer endeavors has moved Mental Health work forward. I am personally grateful for her leadership in Peer work and the guidance she shared with me. Your light will always shine. ~ Deborah Rosales-Elkins, Austin, Texas